# Pelargonidin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pelargonidin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Pelargonidin chloride, 3,5,7,4'-Tetrahydroxyflavylium, Pelargonidin cation, Red geranium pigment, C15H11O5+, Pelargonidin ion, 3,5,7,4'-Tetrahydroxyflavylium chloride ## Overview Pelargonidin is a red-orange anthocyanin pigment found abundantly in strawberries, raspberries, and pelargonium flowers, belonging to the flavonoid subclass. It exerts antioxidant activity primarily by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and donating electrons through its hydroxyl groups on the B-ring of the flavylium cation structure. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - the research dossier contains no human clinical trial data • Potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties suggested by its anthocyanin structure - no clinical evidence provided • May support [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) based on general anthocyanin research - no pelargonidin-specific studies found • Could have [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects common to flavonoids - no direct evidence in the research • Possible metabolic benefits typical of anthocyanins - no clinical trials available ## Mechanism of Action Pelargonidin neutralizes [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) such as superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals through the electron-donating capacity of its 4'-hydroxyl group on the flavylium cation backbone. It has been shown in vitro to inhibit NF-κB signaling, suppressing downstream [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, pelargonidin may modulate the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase-1, though these mechanisms remain unconfirmed in human subjects. ## Clinical Summary No published human clinical trials have investigated pelargonidin as an isolated compound, making direct evidence of clinical efficacy unavailable. Most available data derives from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent models examining its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and potential anti-proliferative properties. Epidemiological studies on strawberry and berry consumption—major dietary sources of pelargonidin—suggest associations with reduced [cardiovascular risk](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) markers, but these cannot be attributed specifically to pelargonidin. The overall evidence base is preclinical and preliminary, and no established therapeutic dose has been validated in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Pelargonidin is a pure anthocyanidin compound (aglycone form), not a whole food, so it contains no macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Molecular formula: C15H11O5+, molecular weight: 271.24 g/mol. It is the simplest naturally occurring anthocyanidin, characterized by a single hydroxyl group on the B-ring at position 4'. Found in nature primarily as glycosidic conjugates (e.g., pelargonidin-3-glucoside, the dominant pigment in strawberries at approximately 15-25 mg/100g fresh weight; pelargonidin-3,5-diglucoside in radishes and pomegranate). As an isolated compound, its bioactive concentration is 100% pelargonidin by definition. Bioavailability is notably low and variable: oral absorption of pelargonidin glycosides is estimated at less than 1-5% in human studies, with rapid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to phenolic acids (primarily 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and phloroglucinol aldehyde) via colonic microbiota. Peak plasma concentrations after strawberry consumption (containing pelargonidin-3-glucoside) reach approximately 1-10 nmol/L, appearing within 0.5-2 hours post-ingestion. It is rapidly cleared with a half-life of approximately 1.5-2 hours. Stability is pH-dependent: stable under acidic conditions (pH <3), degrading rapidly above pH 6. No caloric value, protein, fat, or carbohydrate content is attributable to this isolated compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for pelargonidin in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparation). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Pelargonidin consumed through whole food sources such as strawberries and raspberries is considered safe for the general population with no documented adverse effects at dietary levels. As an isolated supplement, safety data including maximum tolerated dose, long-term toxicity profiles, and teratogenicity studies in humans are absent. Theoretically, its [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) could interact with pro-oxidant chemotherapy agents by reducing their efficacy, though no clinical interaction data exists. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those on anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, given the lack of safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses for pelargonidin were found in the research dossier. The available research is limited to chemical characterization and extraction methods without any PMIDs or clinical outcome data. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses for pelargonidin are documented in the research dossier. The compound has been primarily studied as a plant pigment rather than a therapeutic agent. ## Synergistic Combinations Other anthocyanins, vitamin C, quercetin, resveratrol, green tea polyphenols ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods are highest in pelargonidin? Strawberries are the richest dietary source of pelargonidin, providing approximately 26–45 mg per 100 g of fresh fruit, primarily as pelargonidin-3-glucoside. Raspberries, cranberries, and pomegranates also contain pelargonidin, though at considerably lower concentrations than strawberries. ### Is pelargonidin the same as other anthocyanins like cyanidin or delphinidin? Pelargonidin differs structurally from cyanidin and delphinidin by the number and position of hydroxyl groups on the B-ring of the flavylium cation. Pelargonidin has a single 4'-hydroxyl group, cyanidin adds a 3'-hydroxyl group, and delphinidin carries an additional 5'-hydroxyl group, making pelargonidin the least hydroxylated and generally least potent antioxidant of the three. This structural difference also produces its characteristic orange-red color versus the purple-blue hues of delphinidin-rich plants. ### Does pelargonidin have anti-cancer properties? Preclinical in vitro studies suggest pelargonidin may inhibit proliferation of cancer cell lines, including breast and colon cancer cells, potentially through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. However, no human clinical trials have investigated pelargonidin's anti-cancer effects, and translating in vitro findings to clinical outcomes requires substantial further research. It should not be considered a cancer treatment or preventive agent based on current evidence. ### How is pelargonidin absorbed by the body? Pelargonidin, primarily consumed as pelargonidin-3-glucoside in foods, undergoes partial hydrolysis of its glycosidic bond by intestinal enzymes and gut microbiota before absorption. Bioavailability of anthocyanins including pelargonidin is generally low, estimated at less than 1–5% in most human studies, with peak plasma concentrations appearing within 0.5–2 hours of ingestion. Colonic microbiota further metabolize unabsorbed pelargonidin into phenolic acid metabolites such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, which may contribute to its biological effects. ### Can I take pelargonidin as a standalone supplement? Pelargonidin is not widely available as an isolated supplement; most commercial anthocyanin products contain mixed anthocyanin complexes derived from sources like strawberry extract or bilberry, which include pelargonidin among multiple compounds. No clinically validated dosage for isolated pelargonidin supplementation has been established, and purity, standardization, and long-term safety of isolated pelargonidin supplements have not been evaluated in human trials. Consuming pelargonidin through whole food sources such as strawberries currently represents the best-evidenced and safest approach. ### What is the current state of clinical evidence for pelargonidin's health benefits? Currently, there are no published human clinical trials demonstrating health benefits specific to pelargonidin supplementation. While pelargonidin's anthocyanin structure suggests potential antioxidant properties based on laboratory research, these findings have not been validated in controlled human studies. Most claims about pelargonidin's cardiovascular or anti-inflammatory effects are extrapolated from general anthocyanin research rather than pelargonidin-specific evidence. ### Are there any known drug interactions with pelargonidin supplements? No documented drug interactions specific to pelargonidin have been established in the medical literature. However, since anthocyanins in general may have mild anticoagulant properties, individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with concentrated pelargonidin sources. As with any supplement, disclosure to your physician is recommended, especially if you are on prescription medications. ### Is pelargonidin safe for pregnant women, children, or elderly populations? Safety data for pelargonidin supplementation in pregnant women, children, and elderly populations is lacking due to the absence of clinical trials in these groups. While pelargonidin is naturally present in foods like berries in small amounts, concentrated supplement safety in vulnerable populations remains unestablished. Medical supervision is advised before pelargonidin supplementation in pregnancy, pediatric, or geriatric contexts. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*