Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative composition of anthocyanins in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruits was assayed. The aim of our study was to evaluate total anthocyanin content and their composition in bilberries collected from various regions and at different time. For the quantification of total anthocyanins in frozen fruits, the spectrophotometrical assay was performed. The highest amount of anthocyanins in bilberry fruits, collected in Lithuania, was found in samples from Silute (0.399%), the lowest one - from Valkininkai region (0.264%), but higher amounts of anthocyanins were found in the samples collected in Russia (Archangelsk region) and Sweden (Stockholm region). High-performance liquid chromatography was applied for qualitative evaluation of individual anthocyanins in the different material. Quantification of anthocyanidin content was performed after acidic hydrolysis of anthocyanin glycosides. Chromatographic analysis has shown that there are no differences in qualitative composition of anthocyanidins. In all samples, cyanidin was found in the highest quantities (mean amount 0.053 microg/mL). Delphinidin and petunidin was found in quantities 2.5 fold lower than cyanidin, and malvidin and peonidin were found in the smallest quantities. Only in the blueberries collected in Sweden, malvidin was found in the highest amount. It was 1.5 fold higher than amounts of petunidin and delphinidin.
Highlights
Interest in fruit composition has intensified because of increased awareness of the possible health benefits of some of their nutrients [1]
The aim of our study was to investigate total anthocyanin content, anthocyanin composition, and anthocyanidin content in blueberry fruits collected in different regions of Lithuania, in Russia (Archangelsk region), in Belarus (Grodno region), and Sweden (Stockholm region) and to compare anthocyanin content in fruits collected at different time
Anthocyanin content in blueberries was slightly different depending on region (%CV 11.96)
Summary
Interest in fruit composition has intensified because of increased awareness of the possible health benefits of some of their nutrients [1]. There are hundreds of pharmaceutical products derived from V. myrtillus [4] Many of these biological properties are believed to be associated with the antioxidant activity of anthocyanin pigments, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds [1, 5]. Prior et al measured total amount of anthocyanins and phenolics and oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) for four Vaccinium species and found a linear relationship between ORAC and anthocyanin and total phenolic content [6]. They reported blueberries to be one of the richest sources of antioxidant phytonutrients of fresh fruits and vegetables studied. These are 3-O-arabinosides, 3-O-glucosides, and 3-O-galactosides of five anthocyanidins: cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, petunidin, and peonidin [7, 14]
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