Are Blueberries Anti-Angiogenic? A Deep Dive into the Scientific Evidence

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to numerous preclinical laboratory and animal studies, blueberry compounds have demonstrated notable anti-angiogenic activity by suppressing pro-angiogenic factors like Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Understanding the full picture of whether blueberries are anti-angiogenic requires a detailed look into the scientific evidence behind these claims and the compounds involved.

Quick Summary

Scientific studies, primarily from laboratory and animal models, suggest that specific compounds in blueberries, particularly anthocyanins, exhibit anti-angiogenic effects by interfering with blood vessel formation.

Key Points

Preclinical Evidence: Laboratory and animal studies confirm that blueberry extracts possess anti-angiogenic activity, inhibiting new blood vessel formation.
Anthocyanins are Key: Anthocyanins, the compounds giving blueberries their color, are a primary driver of their anti-angiogenic effects.
VEGF Pathway Suppression: Blueberry compounds have been shown to suppress Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a crucial protein in the development of new blood vessels.
Complex Mechanisms: The anti-angiogenic effect is achieved through inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and NF-κB.
Human Studies Needed: While promising, more human clinical research is necessary to confirm the effects of dietary blueberry intake on angiogenesis in people.

Understanding Angiogenesis and Its Role in Health

Angiogenesis is the physiological process involving the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Under normal circumstances, this is a vital process for healing wounds, menstruation, and embryonic development. However, dysregulated angiogenesis is a hallmark of many diseases, including cancer, where tumors hijack this process to grow and metastasize. The field of anti-angiogenic therapy focuses on controlling this process, and research has increasingly explored dietary compounds, including those found in blueberries, for their potential role.

The Anti-Angiogenic Potential of Blueberries

Several compounds found in blueberries contribute to their anti-angiogenic properties. The most significant are anthocyanins, the vibrant pigments responsible for the berry's color, and ellagic acid, a non-flavonoid polyphenol. Laboratory and animal studies have investigated how these compounds interfere with the complex signaling pathways that drive new blood vessel formation.

How Blueberry Compounds Inhibit Angiogenesis

Suppression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): VEGF is one of the most potent stimulators of angiogenesis. Multiple studies have shown that blueberry extracts can significantly suppress VEGF expression, directly interfering with the signal that tells endothelial cells to form new vessels. This was observed in cell cultures as well as in mouse models.
Interference with Signaling Pathways: Angiogenesis is regulated by a cascade of molecular signals. Blueberry compounds, particularly anthocyanins and ellagic acid, have been shown to modulate several key pathways, including:
- PI3K/Akt Pathway: A crucial pathway in cell survival and proliferation, which is inhibited by blueberry extracts, disrupting the angiogenic process.
- NF-κB Pathway: This pathway plays a role in inflammation and is downregulated by blueberry anthocyanins, leading to a reduction in pro-angiogenic gene expression.
- MAPK Pathway: Some studies have shown inhibition of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway, further hindering cellular signals necessary for angiogenesis.
Inhibition of Endothelial Cell Activity: In lab experiments, blueberry compounds have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells, the building blocks of new blood vessels. This prevents the physical process of forming new vascular networks.

A Tale of Two Effects: Anti- and Pro-Angiogenic Nuances

Interestingly, some research has revealed that not all blueberry-derived compounds or preparations exert the same effect. While anthocyanin-rich extracts tend to be anti-angiogenic, other fractions, such as those rich in phenolic acids, have shown pro-angiogenic activity in certain contexts. This highlights the complexity of dietary compounds and the importance of looking at the whole food rather than isolated components. The anti-angiogenic effect is likely due to the synergistic action of multiple phytochemicals.

Comparison of Anti-Angiogenic Compounds in Berries


Compound	Source	Primary Anti-Angiogenic Mechanism	Research Status (Preclinical)
Anthocyanins	Blueberries, black raspberries, grapes	Inhibits VEGF expression, suppresses NF-κB and PI3K/Akt pathways	Extensive in vitro and in vivo evidence
Ellagic Acid	Raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, walnuts	Inhibits VEGFR-2 activity and its downstream signaling pathways (MAPK, PI3K/Akt)	Strong in vitro and in vivo evidence, particularly in cancer models
EGCG (Catechins)	Green Tea	Suppresses VEGF expression and inhibits NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and ERK pathways	Extensive in vitro and in vivo evidence
Curcumin	Turmeric	Blocks several pathways involved in angiogenesis, including reducing VEGF expression	Strong in vitro and in vivo evidence

The Clinical Relevance and the Path Forward

While the preclinical evidence for blueberries' anti-angiogenic properties is compelling, it is crucial to temper expectations. Most of the research uses concentrated extracts and focuses on cellular and animal models, not human dietary intake. A key question remains regarding the bioavailability and effective concentration of these compounds in the human body after normal consumption. However, the existing research provides a solid foundation for further clinical investigation. These findings underscore the potential value of including blueberries as part of a varied, plant-rich diet for overall health.

Incorporating Blueberries into an Anti-Angiogenic Diet

Dietary approaches are an important aspect of managing health conditions associated with dysregulated angiogenesis. Beyond blueberries, a broader anti-angiogenic diet includes a variety of plant-based foods.

Other Berries: Include other berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, which also contain anti-angiogenic compounds such as ellagic acid.
Green Tea: Regularly consuming green tea, rich in EGCG, can offer additional anti-angiogenic benefits.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that are known to have a positive effect on health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3s, which have been associated with a decreased risk for certain cancers.

Conclusion: Blueberries as a Piece of the Anti-Angiogenic Puzzle

Based on a growing body of preclinical research, the answer to "Are blueberries anti-angiogenic?" is a qualified yes, within the context of laboratory and animal studies. The potent anthocyanins and ellagic acid found in blueberries have been shown to inhibit key angiogenic pathways, including the suppression of VEGF, in these models. While this does not equate to a definitive human dietary prescription, it highlights blueberries as a valuable, nutrient-dense food with promising properties. For individuals interested in a dietary approach to health, incorporating a variety of berries and other nutrient-rich foods is a sensible strategy, supported by ongoing scientific exploration. For more information on the principles of angiogenesis and nutrition, the Angiogenesis Foundation is a useful resource.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main anti-angiogenic compounds in blueberries are anthocyanins, which are flavonoids responsible for the berry's deep blue and purple colors. They work by inhibiting specific signaling pathways involved in blood vessel growth.

Animal studies have shown that blueberry extract can reduce tumor growth and inhibit the spread of certain cancer cells, such as triple-negative breast cancer, primarily through anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Processing methods can affect the concentration and bioavailability of active compounds. For instance, while some studies use extracts, other research shows that the synergistic effects of multiple compounds in whole berries may be more effective than isolated fractions.

Yes, consuming whole blueberries provides a wide range of beneficial compounds, including anthocyanins and ellagic acid. While most research uses concentrated extracts, integrating whole fruits into your diet is a good way to get these compounds.

No, not all berries have identical anti-angiogenic properties. However, many berries like raspberries, strawberries, and pomegranates contain compounds like ellagic acid and anthocyanins that have shown anti-angiogenic effects in preclinical research.

Antioxidants, including those in blueberries, can modulate angiogenesis by reducing oxidative stress and influencing neovascularization. While high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can promote angiogenesis, antioxidants can help normalize this balance.

Some comparative studies have shown variations in efficacy between different blueberry varieties and extracts. For example, wild blueberry extract has been shown to be particularly effective in some studies.