In recent years, there has been a focus on breeding wheat with high
anthocyanin levels in order to improve food quality and human health. The objective of this study was to examine the
antioxidant and geroprotective properties of
wheat bran extracts using both in vitro and in vivo research methods. Two wheat lines were used: one with uncolored pericarp (
anthocyanin-free) and another with colored pericarp (
anthocyanin-containing). These lines differed in a specific region of chromosome 2A containing the Pp3/TaMyc1 gene, which regulates
anthocyanin production. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the presence of
cyanidin glucoside and
cyanidin arabinoside in the
anthocyanin-containing
wheat bran extract (+AWBE), while no
anthocyanins were found in the
anthocyanin-free
wheat bran extract (-AWBE). The +AWBE showed higher radical scavenging activity (DPPH and
ABTS assays) and membrane protective activity (
AAPH oxidative
hemolysis model) compared to the -AWBE. Both extracts extended the lifespan of female Drosophila, indicating geroprotective properties. This study demonstrates that
wheat bran extracts with high
anthocyanin levels have
antioxidant and geroprotective effects. However, other secondary metabolites in
wheat bran can also contribute to its
antioxidant and geroprotective potential.