Anthocyanin Definition
Anthocyanins, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins are all flavonoids that belong to a large group of important secondary metabolites widely found in plants. Anthocyanins are found in 72 genera of flowering plants (angiosperms) in 27 families. Among them, grapes, hawthorn, pine needles, and purple sweet potatoes have high anthocyanin content.
The basic structure of anthocyanins is 3,5,7-hydroxy-2-phenylchroman. Most anthocyanins have hydroxyl groups substituting the 3-, 5-, and 7-carbon positions of the anthocyanin moiety. A wide variety of anthocyanins are formed due to the different substituents at the Rl and R2 carbon positions in their structures. Out of the 20 known anthocyanins, six are commonly found in plants: geranium pigment (Pg), cornflower pigment (Cy), delphinium pigment (Dp), peony flower pigment (Pn), petunia pigment (Pt), and mallow pigment (Mv).
Anthocyanin Function
Due to the presence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, anthocyanins are rarely seen when they are in a free state under natural conditions. Anthocyanins are often formed by one or more of glucose, galactose, xylose, etc. through glycosidic bonds.Anthocyanins mainly accumulate in plant vesicles and are one of the main pigments that make up the color of plant flowers and fruits.
During plant growth and survival, natural anthocyanins play an important role in improving the resistance of plants to stresses of adversity. Anthocyanins protect plants from biotic attack and attract insect pollination. In addition, they can respond to biotic and abiotic stresses, scavenge oxygen radicals, and protect plants from high light densities.
Anthocyanins are also beneficial for human health, contributing to functions such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can lower blood lipids, reduce cholesterol, improve glaucoma vision, treat retinal diseases, repair memory damage, and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Anthocyanins have important research value and application potential in food, medicine and healthcare, horticulture and crop improvement.
Anthocyanin Analysis
A series of analytical methods have been developed to better apply anthocyanins in anti-oxidant/anti-cancer medications and achieve quality control of anthocyanins.
Depending on the detection target, anthocyanins or anthocyanin parent nuclei can be detected using UV spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS).
– UV spectrophotometry is commonly used for the determination of total anthocyanins. It is often influenced by external conditions such as pH and temperature, and also affected by substances such as proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins.
– HPLC can be used to analyze different types of anthocyanins in samples, and is relatively low cost compared to HPLC/MS, which requires a marker to characterize the sample. HPLC/MS is commonly used for the full analysis of anthocyanin species in samples, which is capable of obtaining more complete information.
Creative Proteomics is equipped with advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry platforms that can be used to provide high-quality anthocyanin analysis services.
