Benefits
C3G anthocyanin with laboratory antioxidant activity
In laboratory ORAC assays, C3G shows high radical-scavenging values relative to other anthocyanins. However, the USDA withdrew its ORAC database in 2012 because ORAC values do not predict antioxidant activity or health benefit in humans, so these figures are not an efficacy claim. Human outcome data would be needed to substantiate any antioxidant benefit.
Eye health and visual function support
One small trial reportedly randomized subjects to 300 mg/day BSHE/C3G or placebo by eyesight level, but this trial is not among the cited references and cannot be independently verified. C3G is a key bioactive linked to vision support — particularly relevant for age-related vision concerns and the broad eye-health supplement category alongside lutein and bilberry extracts.
Metabolic health support (preclinical)
In a diet-induced rat model, C3G improved markers of metabolic dysfunction; this is animal, not human, evidence, and no published human trial for this endpoint is cited. C3G mechanism involves NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation and SirT1/NF-κB signaling pathway modulation. Related liver and inflammatory effects are reported only in cell and animal models and do not establish a disease benefit in humans.
Hepatoprotective oxidative stress reduction
C3G prevents hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 hepatocyte cells in preclinical research. These findings are limited to cell-culture (HepG2) research and do not establish any effect on liver disease in humans.
Anti-inflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition
Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome — a key regulator of inflammatory responses across multiple disease contexts. In animal models this pathway has been studied in the context of alcohol-related liver injury; these are preclinical findings, not demonstrated human outcomes. NLRP3 inhibition is a major drug development target — C3G provides natural NLRP3 modulation.
Memory and motor skills support
C3G has been linked to reduction in memory loss and enhanced motor skills based on existing research. Combined with the antioxidant activity, this supports broader cognitive aging applications. Any cognitive or neurological effects are based on preclinical research; human evidence for memory or motor benefit from this ingredient is lacking.
Cardiovascular and weight management
In laboratory and animal research, C3G has been studied for circulation, cardiovascular, and weight-related markers. Human outcome data for CyaniMax are lacking, so these remain preliminary.
Anthocyanin cell-based cancer research (preclinical)
Some laboratory (cell-based) studies report that C3G affects cancer-cell signaling. This is early preclinical research only; dietary supplements are not intended to prevent, treat, or cure cancer, and C3G should not be used as a cancer therapy or chemotherapy adjuvant. Anyone undergoing cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before use.
Mechanism of action
Anthocyanin antioxidant pigment activity
C3G shows high radical-scavenging values in laboratory ORAC assays, although the USDA withdrew ORAC as not predictive of human antioxidant benefit. Anthocyanins scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) directly and indirectly via cellular antioxidant enzyme upregulation. The high antioxidant potency underlies most of CyaniMax's downstream biological effects.
NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation
C3G inactivates NLRP3 inflammasome — a major regulator of inflammatory responses involving IL-1β and IL-18 cytokine production. NLRP3 hyperactivation drives multiple disease processes including metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disease, and chronic inflammation. C3G's NLRP3 inhibition is rare among natural products.
SirT1/NF-κB signaling pathway modulation
C3G modulates SirT1 (sirtuin 1) and NF-κB (master inflammatory regulator) signaling pathways. SirT1 activation supports cellular longevity, mitochondrial function, and metabolic health. NF-κB inhibition reduces inflammation. Combined effects address both cellular aging and inflammation simultaneously.
Eye tissue antioxidant protection
Eye tissue is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to high oxygen consumption, UV exposure, and metabolic activity. C3G's strong antioxidant activity supports retinal and lens health — explaining the eye-health applications. Combined with the broader anti-inflammatory effects, comprehensive ocular tissue support.
Blood-brain barrier crossing
C3G can cross the blood-brain barrier providing direct CNS antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The BBB crossing is essential for cognitive and neuroprotective applications — many antioxidants are excluded by the BBB and have limited brain effects despite peripheral antioxidant activity.
Clinical trials
Clinical trial evaluating black soybean hull extract/C3G (CyaniMax) at 300 mg/day for eyesight support. Randomized subjects divided by eyesight level. Test group (n=30) received 300 mg/day BSHE/C3G; control group (n=30) received placebo. This trial is not published in PubMed and is not among the references cited here, so it should be read as an unverified manufacturer report rather than peer-reviewed evidence.
60 subjects randomly divided based on eyesight level. Test group received 300 mg/day BSHE/C3G; control received placebo.
Demonstrated effects on visual function with 300 mg/day BSHE/C3G. The trial supports the BGG patent that limits eyesight and metabolic syndrome claims to CyaniMax-branded material. Combined with class evidence for anthocyanin eye health benefits, this single small trial is not published in the reference list below and cannot be independently verified.
Preclinical studies on cyanidin-3-glucoside's hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. HepG2 hepatocyte cell line studies of H2O2-induced oxidative damage prevention. Mechanistic studies of NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation in alcoholic steatohepatitis models. Published in Biotechnology Letters.
Not applicable — HepG2 cell line and alcoholic steatohepatitis preclinical models.
C3G prevented H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells. In preclinical (cell and animal) models, C3G modulated NLRP3/SirT1/NF-κB inflammatory signaling. These are laboratory findings only and do not establish that C3G treats liver disease or metabolic syndrome in people. C3G's NLRP3 inhibition is among the rare natural products with this mechanism.
Class evidence from broader anthocyanin clinical research. Multiple controlled trials of anthocyanin-rich extracts (bilberry, blackcurrant, blueberry) for eye health, cardiovascular, and metabolic outcomes. C3G is the strongest of 14 main anthocyanins by ORAC — supports class-leading positioning.
Various — adults across multiple anthocyanin clinical trials in eye health, cardiovascular, and metabolic contexts.
Anthocyanins consistently improve eye health markers, cardiovascular parameters, and metabolic markers across the research base. C3G specifically is the most potent antioxidant among anthocyanins by ORAC testing. The CyaniMax patent protects the specific BSHE/C3G material for metabolic syndrome and eyesight claims — branding-protected commercial position.