4. Conclusions
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using the absorbent Amberlite
XAD7 is a fast, simple and reliable method for purification of
anthocyanins from complex extracts, containing impurities such
as sugars, acids, proteins, pectin, etc. The amount of the anthocyanins
in the dried extracts after SPE was 9.6–24.6%. During SPE,
more than 94% of the sugars present in the extracts were eluted.
A good anthocyanin recovery was observed in the purification process
as well. The obtained anthocyanin-rich extracts showed high
antioxidant efficacy in all five assays of antioxidant activity determination:
ORAC, TRAP, HORAC, scavenging of nitric oxide and inhibition
of lipid peroxidation. This reveals the possibilities for
application of these preparations as effective antioxidants