Nutritional Strategies and Bioactive Compounds: Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Ribes nigrum and Their Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-Cancer, and Microbiota-Modulating Effects

Integrating botanical extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), may represent an adjunctive nutritional strategy to support the management of chronic low-grade inflammation and, more cautiously, oncology supportive care. Both species contain high levels of anthocyanins and other flavonoids, which are associated with anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of redox-sensitive and inflammatory signaling pathways, reduction of selected pro-inflammatory mediators, and potential contributions to intestinal eubiosis. A growing body of evidence also suggests that anthocyanins can influence host physiology indirectly via gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation and the generation of phenolic metabolites and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which may impact barrier integrity, immune regulation and systemic inflammatory tone. Preclinical studies report antineoplastic mechanisms—such as modulation of proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis—however, these findings are largely derived from in vitro and animal models and should be considered hypothesis-generating. Importantly, the use of standardized anthocyanin-rich dry extracts should not be interpreted as an alternative to standard antineoplastic therapies. When clinically used, standardized dry fruit extracts should be framed as nutraceutical/food-based interventions within an overall nutritional plan, with attention to product standardization, dosing, and potential interaction pathways. Overall, bilberry and blackcurrant represent promising candidates in the context of nutritional modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiota. Robust, long-term trials are still needed to clarify efficacy on patient-relevant clinical endpoints and safety during concomitant anticancer therapies.