Food Innovation and Advances: Anthocyanin in blueberries improves barrier function of intestinal mucosa, study suggests

A research team from Shenyang Agricultural University (China) has found that malvidin-3-O-galactoside (M3G) contained in blueberries strengthens the barrier function of the colon mucosa. The respective research results were published in the journal Food Innovation and Advances (FIA).

The therapeutic properties of a compound called M3G were assessed in mice with severe colitis. Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine, which occurs as a result of infectious, ischemic, drug, or other injuries. The aforesaid rodents were divided into two groups. The first group acted as a control and the second group received daily malvidin-3-O-galactoside supplements at a dose of three grams.

M3G is an anthocyanin, a plant pigment from the group of flavonoids. It has antioxidant properties, meaning it protects the body's cells from damage by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

The researchers found that rodents receiving M3G had a considerable increase in body weight and normalized appetite. Such changes indicate a protective effect of the compound against colitis symptoms. Histological analysis of the mouse colon tissue also showed a considerable increase in colonic mucosa. The researchers explained that the M3G supplementation increased the production of goblet cells and barrier proteins responsible for the strength of the protective epithelium.

According to the aforesaid researchers, malvidin-3-O-galactoside has significant potential as a natural remedy for intestinal diseases.

But more research is needed to determine what effect the M3G will have on human gastrointestinal health.