Comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome and anthocyanin metabolomics uncover effects of long-term mulberry and chokeberry anthocyanin intake in a C57BL/6J mouse model

The health benefits of anthocyanins arise from direct absorption and gut microbial metabolism, which can vary with the glycoside structure depending on the microbial enzyme affinities. In this study, we investigated the effects of mulberry and chokeberry anthocyanin intake on anthocyanin-derived metabolites and gut microbiota composition using an in vivo model. Mulberry and chokeberry are rich in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, respectively, and the composition of anthocyanin metabolites in plasma and feces depends on the glycoside moiety. Vanillin sulfate and methyl gallic acid were detected in feces after mulberry intake, whereas homovanillic acid sulfate was identified following chokeberry intake. The plasma levels of protocatechuic and hippuric acid were also higher in the mulberry group. Long-term cyanidin glycoside intake increased gut propionic and butyric acid levels, which could potentially contribute to a favorable metabolic and colonic environment via gut microbiota modulation. The intake of both extracts increased taxa associated with beneficial health effects. • 11 anthocyanin metabolites were identified in plasma and feces via UHPLC-QTOF-MS • Sugar moieties drive distinct metabolic profiles of cyanidin glycosides • Long-term anthocyanin intake increases fecal propionic and butyric acids • Mediation analysis reveals a functional bridge between microbiota and metabolites • Modulation of P. vulgatus and Muribaculaceae suggests potential relevance to diabetes