Dysfunction of the blood vessel endothelium contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Changes in its function cause an imbalance between the production of protective nitric oxide (NO) and vasoconstrictive factors.

Consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods has been associated with the prevention and/or improvement of endothelial dysfunction in several experimental models of cardiovascular disease, including physiological aging. Furthermore, clinical data indicate that products rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins may improve endothelial function and vascular health in humans with cardiovascular disease (Auger et al. 2024).

In a study on endothelial cells, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G – that is in haskap berries) reduced markers of aging and oxidative stress and increased NO production (Lee et al. 2020). The relaxing effect on small blood vessels explains the improvement in memory and increased exercise capacity in people whose diet is rich in dark fruits, i.e., anthocyanins.


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