anthocyanin

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anthocyanin

A phytochemical present in high concentrations in blueberries, cherries and plums, which may relieve arthritis and protect grey matter.

Botany
A blue, purple or red accessory pigment found in plants. Anthocyanins are water-soluble glucosides that are not directly involved in photosynthesis and can mask the green of chlorophyll, giving the plant a red-purple colour.

anthocyanin

(an″thŏ-sī′ă-nĭn) [Gr. anthos, flower + cyano- + -in]

Any of several water-soluble pigments found in berries, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables as they ripen. All of them are antioxidants and belong to a class of compounds called flavonoids.

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References in periodicals archive ?

This binding stabilizes the anthocyan in in a colored form, changing light absorption so that color deepens and moves from red toward blue.

A few truths about phenolics: how to enhance color and tannins in challenging environments

2) Azo dyes have been used to spike the anthocyan content (measured via UV spec) in bilberry.

Dietary supplement quality assurance--something's missing!

The grapes that will ripen often lead to wines that are somewhat delicate, aromatic and sometimes pale in color, since anthocyan pigments and tannins need more prolonged heat to fully develop, although there are certainly plenty of exceptions to this, depending on microclimate and winery techniques.