Leuco-Anthocyanins as the Possible Precursors of Tannins

Abstract

Roux has recently reported1 that he had found leuco-anthocyanins in wattle extract and discussed biochemical aspects of these substances. The occurrence of leuco-anthocyanins in wattle and certain other tannin extracts was first referred to by Hillis in 19542 and further discussed by him in 19563. At the same time the suggestion was put forward that leuco-anthocyanins could be the precursors of certain tannins3,4. Other workers also have confirmed the presence of leuco-anthocyanins in tannin extracts, and in particular in wattle extract (ref. 5 and King, H. G. C., and White, T., personal communication, May 1956).