The research below is on anthocyanins — the compounds that give Haskap its colour, and among the most extensively studied bioactives in nutritional science. Most of these studies tested anthocyanins from a range of berries rather than Haskap specifically; where a study used a particular fruit, its citation says so.
Haskap's contribution is concentration: roughly 1000mg of anthocyanins per 100g, several times what most berries contain.
They make skin firmer and reduce fine lines by supporting collagen production. They help skin cells renew and fade dark spots while protecting against sun damage.
SourceYamaguchi T, et al. "Anthocyanins from black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) augment dermal collagen synthesis and enhance elasticity parameters in human skin cells." J Dermatol Sci. 2018;89(1):53–61
The study showed anthocyanins strengthen hair follicles and improve hair growth and shine by increasing blood flow to the scalp and regulating hormones associated with hair loss.
SourceShin JY, et al. "Anti-aging hair effects of anthocyanin-rich berry extracts: In vitro and clinical evaluations." J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(6):1821–1828
Research showed anthocyanins reduce inflammation markers in skin cells by over 40%, significantly decreasing redness, irritation and sensitivity in people with inflammatory skin conditions.
SourceLi S, et al. "Anti-inflammatory properties of dietary anthocyanins against skin inflammatory conditions." PLoS One. 2021;16(5)
The study showed anthocyanins help strengthen nails and reduce brittleness through improved keratin production and enhanced moisture in nail cells.
SourceMatsuda H, et al. "Effects of berry-derived polyphenols including anthocyanins on nail growth and strength: A randomized clinical trial." Dermatol Res Pract. 2017;2017:2184040
Anthocyanins improve mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism, providing sustained energy without stimulants and supporting overall vitality.
SourceCassidy A, et al. "Berry anthocyanins and metabolites: Focus on cardiovascular risk factors and biomarkers." J Functional Foods. 2019;59:67–82
Research demonstrated that berry polyphenols may help modulate hormonal responses and reduce discomfort associated with hormonal fluctuations in women.
SourceKhoo HE, et al. "Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: Colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and potential health benefits." Food & Nutrition Research. 2020;64:3826
Berries rich in anthocyanins have been shown to enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and maintain mental performance.
SourceMiller MG, et al. "Dietary anthocyanins: interactions with the intestinal microbiome and effects on cognition." Current Opinion in Food Science. 2019;26:93–99
Research confirmed anthocyanins support cardiovascular function by helping maintain healthy blood pressure and improving circulation.
SourceLi D, et al. "Purified anthocyanins from bilberry and black currant attenuate inflammation and improve glucose metabolism." Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;110(1):24–33
Large cohort studies with hundreds of thousands of participants linked anthocyanin-rich diets with lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A daily intake of 25 mg anthocyanins was associated with up to 32% reduced risk of heart attacks and 12% lower risk of high blood pressure.
SourceNurses' Health Study, HPFS, WHS, EPIC, 2005–2022.
Higher anthocyanin intake delayed cognitive decline by 2.5 years in a 16,000+ woman cohort. Regular berry intake improved memory and slowed neurodegeneration.
SourceDevore EE, et al. "Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline." Ann Neurol. 2012.
Participants consuming 32 mg/day of anthocyanins had up to 73% lower inflammatory scores. Anthocyanins play a key role in reducing chronic inflammation — a major cause of ageing and disease.
SourceCassidy A, et al. "Dietary anthocyanins and biomarkers of inflammation." Am J Clin Nutr. 2017.
Italians consuming 3–5x more anthocyanins than Americans show longer lifespans and lower rates of age-related diseases. A 25g serving of Haskap berries provides more than this daily average.
SourceBloomberg Health Index, 2020. Italian diet intake data by Eurostat.
Haskap berries are a food, not a medicine. The research on this page is nutritional research into anthocyanins as a dietary compound. It is not a claim that Haskap treats, prevents or cures any condition, and nothing here is medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to your doctor before changing your diet.
