Interactions between anthocyanins and gut microbiota in promoting healthy aging

• Bioavailability of anthocyanins and their digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. • Anthocyanins and their main gut metabolites directly exert biological activity and regulate healthy aging. • Anthocyanins improve intestinal barrier function and regulate the balance of gut microbiota to delay aging. • Underlying mechanisms by which anthocyanins interact with gut microbiota to alleviate age-related diseases. • Machine learning methods and multiomics techniques can be used to further explore the mechanism of anthocyanins modulating microbiota-gut-brain axis. Aging is a natural and inevitable physiological process that poses a serious threat to physical health, leading to age-related diseases and placing a heavy burden on the public health system. This study explores intervention measures to promote healthy aging and prolong lifespan. Anthocyanins (ACNs), as a class of flavonoids widely presented in fruits, vegetables and grains, exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies indicate that ACNs exert health effects primarily by interacting with gut microbiota. Here, we introduced the digestion and absorption of ACNs, and mainly elaborated on the role of ACNs in delaying aging through gut microbiota. In addition, we described the changes in gut microbiota mediated by ACNs and their impact on age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and sarcopenia. Therefore, ACNs have a broad application prospect in the development of functional foods with anti-aging effects by regulating gut microbiota.