Anthocyanins are pigments found in a wide variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the natural red, blue and purple color in many plants. And at least some anthocyanins have fairly potent antiviral activity against Influenza A and B and herpes viruses. It is believed that some of the antiviral activity of Black Elderberry is due to anthocyanins.

Two studies from Asahikawa Medical College demonstrated that a crude extract and purified anthocyanins from Ribes nigrum (Black Currant berries) inhibited Influenza A and B. The black currant extract inhibited the release of virus from infected cells and the adhesion of virus to uninfected cells. PMID:12601672 (cache) PMID:11885927 (cache)

The most potent anthocyanins were identified as: 3-O-alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl- beta-D-glucopyranosyl- cyanidin and 3-O-beta- D-glucopyranosyl- cyanidin, and the fraction F' consisted of 3-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- delphinidin and 3-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-delphinidin.

Anthocyanins chemistry is relatively complex. While there are three main anthocyanins (cyanidin, malvidin and delphinidin), there are hundreds of variations on these molecules. Very small changes in the molecular structure of these molecules can lead to dramatic changes in their activity.

Below is a diagram of the basic structure of all anthocyanins. The many varieties of anthocyanins are created by attaching different chemical groups to the colored areas of the basic molecule.


The anti-viral activities of Black Elderberry is probably partially due to anthocyanins. Hibiscus (the source of the red in Celestial Season's Red Zinger tea) is another rich source of anthocyanins. Although it has not been specifically been tested for its antiviral activity, a traditional use of Hibiscus is for fever.

Anthocyanins and Cytokines

Disclaimer H5N1 Avian Flu Copyright

(Anthocyanin Image in the public domain, obtained from Wikipedia.com)