Bioactive Mechanism of Interaction Between Anthocyanins and Macromolecules Like DNA and Proteins

Abstract

Anthocyanins are the largest group of naturally occurring phytochemicals, and impart the rich colors ranging from red to violet and blue to fruits, vegetables and other plants. These are the glycosides of polyhydroxy and polymethoxy derivatives of 2-phenylbenzopyrylium or flavylium salts. The interest in anthocyanins has increased immensely during the past decade due to their array of healthily beneficial phytochemicals. Anthocyanins can protect against health damage by some types of harmful oxidants through different mechanisms. The purpose of this article is to review the biological activities of anthocyanins and the interactions of anthocyanins with DNA and protein.