Bioflavonoids, in particular anthocyanins have made the topic of many scientific research, mainly for two reasons:
their beneficial effects on human health and applications as potential sources of natural food dyes. Natural extracts of
these pigments may also find useful application for textiles dying, as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
The aim of the present paper was to apply conventional extraction procedures in order to isolate an enriched crude
extract of pigments from highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Water, hydroalcoholic solution and
acidified alcoholic solvent were tested to extract anthocyanins by a discontinuous process. Also, temperatures of 4 oC,
30 oC and 50 oC at 2 hours time of extraction, and storage at –18 oC were tested. Concentration of monomeric
anthocyanins was performed by the spectrophotometric pH differential method.
Added hydrochloric acid in ethanol system was found more efficient than acetic acid regarding the extraction yield.
The highest recovered anthocyanin content was obtained with 50 % ethanol (148.51 mg 100 g-1 FW), while the
lowest one was obtained with water (3.24 mg 100 g-1 FW). The applied elevated temperatures showed better
extraction yield as diffusion rate and solubility of analytes in solvents are greater. Storage of fresh materials at
freezing temperature showed an increase of the initial content of anthocyanins. Through the assessment of the
influence of solvents and extraction temperatures, our results showed that anthocyanin extraction from Vaccinium
corymbosum should be conducted under the following conditions: temperature of 50 °C, extraction time 2 hours, with
solvent containing 50 % ethanol, and protection against light.