Anthocyanin is a type of
flavonoid pigment widely present in fruits and vegetables. It can not only be used as natural pigment, but also has a variety of health functions, for instance,
anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-
tumor, and neuroprotective activities. Persistent proinflammatory status is a major factor in the development, progression, and complications of
chronic diseases. Not surprisingly, there are thus many
food ingredients that can potentially affect
inflammation related diseases and many studies have shown that
anthocyanins play an important role in inflammatory pathways. In this paper, the
inflammation related diseases (such as,
obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and
cancer) of
anthocyanins are introduced, and the anti-inflammatory effect of
anthocyanins is emphatically introduced. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of
anthocyanins is elaborated from the aspects of NF-κB,
toll like receptor, MAPKs, NO, and ROS and the main efficacy of
anthocyanins in
inflammation and related diseases is determined. In conclusion, this review aims to get a clear insight into the role of
anthocyanins in
inflammation related diseases.