Evidence supporting the use of: Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
For the health condition: Circulation (to the brain)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Anthocyanidins are naturally occurring flavonoid compounds found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those with red, purple, or blue pigmentation such as berries, grapes, and red cabbage. Their use to support circulation, including cerebral (brain) circulation, is primarily based on a growing body of scientific evidence, particularly from studies on anthocyanin-rich extracts such as those from bilberry and blueberry.
Preclinical studies have shown that anthocyanidins possess antioxidant properties, protect endothelial cells, and enhance nitric oxide production, all of which may contribute to improved vascular function. Several animal studies and small clinical trials suggest that anthocyanin-rich foods or extracts can improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and enhance vascular elasticity. For brain circulation specifically, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies indicate that anthocyanin intake is associated with improved cognitive function and cerebral blood flow in older adults. For example, a 2017 RCT published in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that blueberry supplementation improved cerebral blood flow as measured by MRI in healthy older adults.
However, most studies use anthocyanin-rich extracts rather than isolated anthocyanidins, and sample sizes are often small. While the evidence is promising, it is not yet robust or conclusive, justifying a moderate evidence score (3/5). More large-scale, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and clarify the mechanisms by which anthocyanidins may support cerebral circulation.
More about Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
More about Circulation (to the brain)
Other ingredients used for Circulation (to the brain)
Acetyl L-carnitineanthocyanins
beet
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
caffeine
turmeric
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
fish oil
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
grape
green tea
omega-3 fatty acids
pine bark
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rutin
Vinpocetine
Water
Algae
cocoa
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Arginine nitrate
anthocyanosides
Arginine silicate
butylphthalide
bacoside
capillary artemisia
Curcuminoid
flavonoids
flavanols
ginkgolides
ginkgo flavone glycoside
Ginkgoside
ginkgoheteroside
lumbrokinase
Ligustrazin
Ligusticum
Pycnogenol
Vincamine
Xantinol Nicotinate
Xanthophyll
Other health conditions supported by Anthocyanidins (unspecified)
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Problems
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)
Urinary Tract Infections
Varicose Veins
Wounds and Sores