Anthocyanins in Folk Medicine: Local Traditions, Sources, Compounds and Related Aspects

Anthocyanins are compounds associated with multiple interesting effects and potential applications. This group of natural compounds can be found in many foods (ranging from red to blue depending on the matrix) such as berries, eggplant, plums, black beans and red grapes. Moreover, the knowledge accumulated so far support the key role of anthocyanins in food and pharmaceutical industry, research and in the life of consumers. The versatility of effects attributed to anthocyanins is disclosed in this book by covering several aspects ranging from its chemical and physical characteristics, separation and identification, techniques to preserve isolated compounds and reaching the healthy benefits and its use in sports. Prior to considering the biological effect and health benefits associated with the consumption of anthocyanins, the consumption and crucial events during the digestion and absorption must be considered in order to clarify and support strategies in food and pharmaceutical applications. The concepts, biological events (with emphasis on digestion) and the role of gut microbiota on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins are presented in Chapter 5. Following the absorption of anthocyanins several biological effects related to health benefits were reported in scientific literature. The first and preserve knowledge is related to the traditional consumption in order to treat diseases in folk medicine. This perspective and the scientific evidence raised so far are compiled in Chapter 6. In the chapter, the different plants sources to treat diseases are described.