Home Ingredients Pelargonidin
AntioxidantAnti-InflammatoryCardiovascular

Pelargonidin

Found in Fragaria × ananassa (strawberries)
Evidence Level
Limited
3 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Pelargonidin is an anthocyanin, the red-orange pigment antioxidant that gives strawberries, raspberries, and red radishes their color. Like other anthocyanins, it contributes antioxidant and blood-vessel-supporting activity associated with berry-rich diets, of interest for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Most evidence reflects whole-food berry intake rather than isolated pelargonidin, which is rarely sold on its own and is instead obtained through anthocyanin-rich berries and berry extracts. As a natural berry pigment it is very safe in dietary amounts, and a colorful, berry-rich diet remains the simplest and safest way to get it.

Studied Dose Strawberry RCTs: 250-500 g fresh or 25-50 g freeze-dried. Purified: 50-200 mg/day. Poor bioavailability (1-2%).
Active Compound Pelargonidin (3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxyflavylium), anthocyanidin aglycone; in foods as glycosides: pelargonidin-3-glucoside (P3G, most common), pelargonidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside.

Benefits

Cardiovascular benefits via strawberry consumption

Strawberry consumption RCTs (delivering pelargonidin glycosides) show modest cardiovascular benefits: improved lipid profile, reduced LDL oxidation, improved endothelial function, and modest blood pressure reduction, documented in obese/metabolic syndrome subjects. The mechanism is partially attributable to pelargonidin among other anthocyanins.

Supported by Trial 1

Anti-inflammatory effects (preclinical, strawberry RCTs)

Strawberry consumption reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) in metabolic syndrome and obese subjects. Pelargonidin-rich foods generally show anti-inflammatory effects in human trials. Mechanism via NF-κB inhibition by anthocyanin metabolites.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Glucose metabolism (strawberry trials)

Some strawberry RCTs show improved postprandial glucose control and modest insulin sensitivity improvement. Pelargonidin-3-glucoside specifically shown to inhibit α-glucosidase. Mechanism for glycemic effects of strawberry-rich diets.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Antioxidant via metabolite effects

Pelargonidin and its metabolite protocatechuic acid demonstrate antioxidant activity in vitro and animal models. Strawberry consumption increases plasma antioxidant capacity. Mechanism for general 'oxidative stress reduction' claims associated with berry-rich diets.

Supported by Trial 3

Skin and UV protection (preclinical)

Animal studies show pelargonidin protects skin from UV-induced damage and may reduce photoaging markers. Mechanism: antioxidant + anti-inflammatory + collagen stabilization. Limited human RCT evidence specific to pelargonidin (vs other anthocyanins or topical anti-aging compounds).

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Antioxidant via direct scavenging and Nrf2

Anthocyanidin structure (with hydroxyl groups + flavylium cation) provides direct radical scavenging. Plus activation of Nrf2 transcription factor upregulating endogenous antioxidant defenses. Mechanism for cellular oxidative stress reduction observed with strawberry consumption.

2

α-Glucosidase inhibition

Pelargonidin-3-glucoside inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase — slowing carbohydrate digestion and reducing postprandial glucose spikes. Mechanism similar to acarbose drug class. Contributes to glucose-modulating effects of berry consumption.

3

Metabolite-mediated activity (protocatechuic acid)

Pelargonidin is rapidly metabolized to protocatechuic acid (PCA) and phloroglucinaldehyde — these metabolites have longer plasma half-lives than parent anthocyanin and circulate at higher concentrations. May mediate the observed clinical effects more than parent pelargonidin itself. Reframes anthocyanin activity as 'metabolite delivery.'

4

Endothelial nitric oxide enhancement

Anthocyanins generally enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and bioavailability. Mechanism for improved endothelial function and modest BP-lowering effects in clinical trials.

5

NF-κB inhibition and anti-inflammatory cytokine reduction

Pelargonidin and metabolites inhibit NF-κB activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). Mechanism for inflammation reduction in human trials of strawberry-rich diets.

Clinical trials

1
Strawberries in Metabolic Syndrome

Strawberry clinical trial (Basu A, Wilkinson M, Penugonda K, Simmons B, Betts NM, Lyons TJ 2010, Nutr J 9:21, doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-21).

27 women with metabolic syndrome consumed 50 g freeze-dried strawberries (≈3 cups fresh, providing ~145 mg pelargonidin glycosides + other anthocyanins) daily for 4 weeks. Cardiovascular biomarkers measured.

Reduced total cholesterol (-5%) and LDL cholesterol (-6%); reduced lipid peroxidation markers; improved blood pressure modestly. NO change in HDL or triglycerides. Demonstrates pelargonidin-rich strawberry consumption has measurable cardiovascular biomarker effects in metabolic syndrome population. Limited by single-center, small sample, no placebo control.

2
Strawberry Postprandial Effects

Postprandial clinical trial (Burton-Freeman B, Linares A, Hyson D, J Am Coll Nutr 29(1):46-54, doi:10.1080/07315724.2010.10719816).

24 obese hyperlipidemic adults consumed strawberry beverage (10 g freeze-dried strawberries) or placebo with high-fat/carbohydrate test meal. Postprandial inflammatory and oxidative response measured.

Strawberry beverage reduced postprandial inflammatory response (IL-6, IL-1β) and oxidative stress markers vs placebo. Demonstrates acute effects of pelargonidin-rich strawberry on postprandial inflammation in metabolically vulnerable population. Supports inclusion of strawberries in mixed meals to reduce postprandial inflammatory spike.

3
Strawberry Anthocyanins Bioavailability

Bioavailability study (Tulipani S, Mora-Cubillos X, Jáuregui O, Llorach R, García-Aloy M, Covas MI, Andres-, J Agric Food Chem 62(15):3441-3452, doi:10.1021/jf500449w).

Healthy volunteers consumed strawberry pulp; plasma and urinary anthocyanin metabolites measured by LC-MS/MS.

Pelargonidin-3-glucoside is the major anthocyanin from strawberry; rapidly metabolized to protocatechuic acid, phloroglucinaldehyde, and other metabolites that circulate longer than parent compound. Bioavailability of parent pelargonidin extremely low (~1-2%) but metabolite-mediated activity may be biologically important. Important context for understanding human pharmacology.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated as part of normal fruit consumption.
Mild GI upset at very high anthocyanin doses (purified extracts).
Allergic reactions: occasional strawberry allergy (oral allergy syndrome).
Pregnancy/lactation: dietary intake safe; pharmacological supplementation insufficient data.
Theoretical mild antiplatelet activity at high doses.

Important Drug interactions

Generally minimal interactions at dietary intakes.
Theoretical mild bleeding risk with anticoagulants at high purified doses.
CYP enzyme effects: in vitro inhibition; clinical relevance limited at typical doses.
Compatible with most medications.
No major clinically documented interactions.

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Frequently asked questions about Pelargonidin

What is pelargonidin used for?

Pelargonidin is an anthocyanin, the red-orange pigment antioxidant in strawberries, raspberries, and red radishes. It is studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support and as part of the benefits of berry-rich diets.

What is pelargonidin good for?

Like other anthocyanins, it contributes antioxidant and vascular-supporting activity associated with berries, of interest for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Most evidence reflects whole-food berry intake rather than isolated pelargonidin.

How much pelargonidin should I take?

It is not commonly sold in isolation; it is obtained mainly through anthocyanin-rich berries and berry extracts. Follow product labeling for any standardized berry supplement.

Is pelargonidin safe?

As a natural berry pigment it is very safe in dietary amounts. Concentrated anthocyanin supplements are generally well tolerated. A berry-rich diet is the simplest, safest way to get it.

What is Pelargonidin?

Pelargonidin is an anthocyanin, the red-orange pigment antioxidant that gives strawberries, raspberries, and red radishes their color. Like other anthocyanins, it contributes antioxidant and blood-vessel-supporting activity associated with berry-rich diets, of interest for cardiovascular and metabolic health.

What is the recommended dosage of Pelargonidin?

The clinically studied dose is Strawberry RCTs: 250-500 g fresh or 25-50 g freeze-dried. Purified: 50-200 mg/day. Poor bioavailability (1-2%). Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Pelargonidin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Pelargonidin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated as part of normal fruit consumption. Mild GI upset at very high anthocyanin doses (purified extracts). It may also interact with some medications. Pelargonidin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Pelargonidin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Generally minimal interactions at dietary intakes. Theoretical mild bleeding risk with anticoagulants at high purified doses. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Pelargonidin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Pelargonidin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Agarwal P, Holland TM, Wang Y, Bennett DA, Morris MC Association of Strawberries and Anthocyanidin Intake with Alzheimer's Dementia Risk. Nutrients. 2019;11(12):3060. doi:10.3390/nu11123060.PubMedUsed to support: Prospective cohort study (925 participants, ~6.7-year follow-up, 245 dementia cases) showing strawberry consumption associated with reduced Alzheimer's risk (HR=0.76); pelargonidin, anthocyanidins, and vitamin C from strawberries specifically linked to protection; supports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of pelargonidin-containing foods in humans.
  2. Agarwal P, Holland TM, James BD, Cherian LJ, Aggarwal NT, Leurgans SE, Bennett DA, Schneider JA Pelargonidin and Berry Intake Association with Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology: A Community-Based Study. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2022;88(2):653-661. doi:10.3233/JAD-215600.PubMedUsed to support: Community-based pathological study showing higher pelargonidin intake specifically associated with lower amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau burden in brain tissue; demonstrates a compound-specific (not just berry-level) anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of pelargonidin relevant to its cardiovascular and neuroprotective benefit claims.
  3. Wan Y, Yang H, Zhang G Pelargonidin alleviates acrolein-induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by reducing COX-2 expression through the NF-κB pathway. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. 2024;397(3):1737-1748. doi:10.1007/s00210-023-02712-1.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro mechanistic study in human endothelial cells showing pelargonidin reduces acrolein-induced inflammation by blocking NF-κB and suppressing COX-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha; provides mechanistic basis for cardiovascular anti-inflammatory benefit. Evidence is in vitro only.