The effect of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods on cognitive function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The rising prevalence of cognitive disorders highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions. While adherence to a balanced diet has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, emerging evidence underscores the potential role of plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as (poly)phenols, with anthocyanins receiving increasing attention. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of anthocyanin-rich interventions on cognitive performance. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of anthocyanin supplementation and cognitive outcomes identified 59 eligible studies. Overall, anthocyanin intervention significantly improved global cognition (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.63, I<sup>2</sup> = 0.0%) compared with controls. Domain-specific analyses further revealed significant benefits for visuospatial processing/reasoning and attention (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.55, I<sup>2</sup> = 76.3%), processing and psychomotor speed (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.34, I<sup>2</sup> = 64.0%), verbal speed and fluency (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.39, I<sup>2</sup> = 30.5%), episodic memory (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.50, I<sup>2</sup> = 75.9%), and working memory (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.36, I<sup>2</sup> = 46.5%). Collectively, these findings suggest that anthocyanin supplementation may improve multiple cognitive domains. Although these results are promising, further well-designed RCTs are needed to validate these outcomes and consolidate the current evidence base.

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Journal
GeroScience
Published
2025-12-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-025-02008-7
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.77

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article

The effect of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods on cognitive function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Francesca Giampieri, Giuseppe Grosso, Justyna Godos, Zoltán Ungvári et al.
1 citations
GeroScience
Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
0.77
article

The effect of anthocyanins and anthocyanin-rich foods on cognitive function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Francesca Giampieri, Giuseppe Grosso, Justyna Godos, Zoltán Ungvári, José L. Quiles, Evelyn Frías-Toral, David Vauzour, Agnieszka Micek, Daniele Del Rio, Mario Siervo, Giuseppe Caruso, Fabio Galvano, Irma Dominguez Azpíroz, Pedro Mena, Jianbo Xiao, Nicola Veronese, Maurizio Battino
article en
1 citations

Abstract

The rising prevalence of cognitive disorders highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions. While adherence to a balanced diet has been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, emerging evidence underscores the potential role of plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as (poly)phenols, with anthocyanins receiving increasing attention. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of anthocyanin-rich interventions on cognitive performance. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of anthocyanin supplementation and cognitive outcomes identified 59 eligible studies. Overall, anthocyanin intervention significantly improved global cognition (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.63, I<sup>2</sup> = 0.0%) compared with controls. Domain-specific analyses further revealed significant benefits for visuospatial processing/reasoning and attention (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18 to 0.55, I<sup>2</sup> = 76.3%), processing and psychomotor speed (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.34, I<sup>2</sup> = 64.0%), verbal speed and fluency (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.39, I<sup>2</sup> = 30.5%), episodic memory (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.50, I<sup>2</sup> = 75.9%), and working memory (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.36, I<sup>2</sup> = 46.5%). Collectively, these findings suggest that anthocyanin supplementation may improve multiple cognitive domains. Although these results are promising, further well-designed RCTs are needed to validate these outcomes and consolidate the current evidence base.

GeroScience
Semmelweis University (HU), University of East Anglia (GB), Jiangsu University (CN), Marche Polytechnic University (IT), University of Parma (IT), Jagiellonian University (PL), Texas State University (US), Curtin University (AU), Universidad Espíritu Santo (EC), Universidad Iberoamericana (DO), University of Catania (IT), Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (IT), Universidad Europea del Atlántico (ES), IRCCS San Camillo Hospital (IT), Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City (US), Ospedale San Giuseppe (IT), Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (ES), Centro Universitário Internacional (MX), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (US), Universidade de Vigo (ES), University of Oklahoma (US)
Ministero della Salute
Openalex Percentile: Top 22%
Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
0.77
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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