Anthocyanins are an important group of highly hydrosoluble pigments in most species of
plants. They are produced by secondary metabolism of plants (pentosophosphate, shikimate
and flavonoid pathways) and are accumulated in cell vacuoles. In fruits and vegetables
anthocyanins are present in the form of glycosides.
The qualitative and quantitative determination of anthocyanins can be performed by
classical techniques, such as spectrophotometry, or modern analytical methods, such as
HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry detection, liquid chromatography, and thin-layer
chromatography. Structural elucidation and conformational analysis can be performed by
NMR techniques.
Humans ingest reasonable amounts of anthocyanins through fruits, vegetables and red wines
from the diet. Anthocyanins have beneficial role in human health, through their antioxidant
properties, being protective against cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer, diabetes,
visual disturbances, liver damage, or UV-B radiation. Supplements containing anthocyanin
extracts or new sinergistic blends (OptiBerry) were produced to improve human health.
As they are responsible of plant pigmention, may also offer a natural alternative to food
colorings, in particular in soft drinks.