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Cyanidin-3-Glucoside (C3G)

Also known as: C3G, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, chrysanthemin, cyanidin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Antioxidant pigment from dark berries. Promising in lab studies, but lacks human clinical trial evidence.

  • What it does

    Cyanidin-3-Glucoside (C3G) is a natural anthocyanin pigment found in dark-colored fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and black rice. It is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    No established dose

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Cyanidin-3-Glucoside (C3G) is a natural anthocyanin pigment found in dark-colored fruits like blackberries, blueberries, and black rice. It is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been studied in laboratory and cell-based settings. In cell studies, C3G has shown the ability to reduce oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which helps cells defend against damage. No established human clinical dose exists based on the available research.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to build muscle or burn fat in humans. No clinical evidence it improves vision or athletic performance despite popular marketing claims. Lab results in cells do not automatically translate to benefits in people. Not a substitute for eating actual fruits and vegetables.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces oxidative stress in cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Protects cells from high-glucose-induced damage and reduces cell death markers in lab studies.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established human dose

Absorption & Bioavailability

Poor — anthocyanins like C3G are generally poorly absorbed in the gut, rapidly metabolized, and excreted quickly. Bioavailability in humans is estimated at less than 1% in some studies, though food matrix and gut microbiome may influence this.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No human clinical trials found in the provided data — all evidence is from cell or animal studies
  • 172 supplement products registered despite near-zero clinical evidence in humans
  • Effective human dose is unknown; products may use arbitrary or ineffective amounts
  • Poor bioavailability means most C3G may not reach target tissues at meaningful concentrations
  • Marketing often overstates benefits by citing lab studies as if they were human trials

Research Sources

  • PMID: 34964128
  • General knowledge — limited published clinical research available

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25