Non-anthocyanin Phenolics Research Articles

Compositional modifications of bioactive compounds and changes in the edible quality and antioxidant activity of ‘Friar’ plum fruit during flesh reddening at intermediate temperatures

Flesh reddening of ‘Friar’ plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) fruit developed rapidly during storage at intermediate temperatures of 5 and 15 °C in comparison to flesh turning yellow at 25 °C and almost no colour change at 0 °C. Thus, modifications of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity during flesh reddening were investigated. Anthocyanins accumulated rapidly in reddening flesh tissue and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was identified as the absolutely predominant individual anthocyanin. Anthocyanins contributed greatly to the antioxidant activity at 5 °C, and especially at 15 °C by combining with non-anthocyanin phenolics, including protocatechuic, syringic, trans-p-coumaric and caffeic acids. Storage at 15 °C impeded the hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose, while storage at 5 °C maintained sucrose and accumulated fructose. Intermediate temperatures altered organic acid compositions helping to produce reasonable SSC/TA ratios. These results would provide a postharvest approach for fruit to meet the consumer’s demand for diverse tastes and health promoting effects.

Effect of Drying on the Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rubus lambertianus

Abstract Different drying methods, including hot air drying (HAD), freeze drying (FD), spray drying and vacuum drying (VD), were investigated to determine their influence on the chromatic coordinates, phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant activities of dried red raspberry (Rubus lambertianus). Pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and catechin were found to be the main anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenolics, respectively, in fresh red raspberry. The most effective method for controlling browning was FD. The highest protective effects against bioactive compounds were observed in freeze-dried powders, when measuring the total anthocyanins, the scavenging of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and hydroxyl radicals and the inhibition effects on lard oxidation. HAD was effective for the preservation of total phenolics, while VD was useful for protecting catechin and procyanidin B1.

The effect of prefermentative addition of gallic acid and ellagic acid on the red wine color, copigmentation and phenolic profiles during wine aging

Though non-anthocyanin phenolics normally do not have red color, they affect the red color expression in the copigmentation of red wines. In this study, the influence of prefermentative addition of 300mg/L gallic acid and ellagic acid, as cofactors, on aging dry red wines had been systematically evaluated at the industrial scales from the perspectives of color, phenolic profiles and copigmentation effects of anthocyanins. Red wines made with these two compounds exhibited better color properties than the control, having better CIELAB chromatic parameters. Additionally, significantly higher levels of detectable anthocyanins and copigmented anthocyanin ratio had been observed. Wines with ellagic acid showed better chromatic properties and phenolic profiles than wines with gallic acid, as shown in previous theoretical results. Anti-copigmentation phenomenon was noticed and elucidated. These practical results confirmed that ellagic acid was the better cofactor, and would give more additional guidance for the production of high quality wine. Chemical compoundsMalvidin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID: 443,652); Petunidin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID: 443,651); Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID: 443,650); Peonidin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID: 443,654); Ellagic acid (PubChem CID: 5,281,855); Gallic acid (PubChem CID: 370); Quercetin (PubChem CID: 443,654); Caffeic acid (PubChem CID: 689,043); (+)-catechin (PubChem CID: 9064); Vanillic acid (PubChem CID: 8468).

Correction to Studies into the Stability of 3-O-Glycosylated and 3,5-O-Diglycosylated Anthocyanins in Differently Purified Liquid and Dried Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) Preparations during Storage and Thermal Treatment

Anthocyanin stabilities in diluted and differently purified maqui preparations were assessed during storage and thermal treatment at different pH values. By sequentially depleting the matrix, the influence of polar low-molecular-weight matrix constituents and non-anthocyanin phenolics was shown to be negligible. In contrast, pH substantially affected thermal stabilities of differently glycosylated cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives. At pH 3.6, half-lives of 3-O-glycosides were substantially shorter than those of respective 3,5-O-diglycosides. However, at pH 2.2, an inverse stability behavior was observed. Findings were corroborated using isolated pigments. Upon heating, cyanidin derivatives were more stable than their respective delphinidins, but their stability was similar during storage. Anthocyanins in liquid samples were more stable when stored at 4 °C as compared to 20 °C, whereas those in dried powders revealed maximum stability throughout storage. The study contains a detailed discussion and mech...

Effect of genuine non-anthocyanin phenolics and chlorogenic acid on color and stability of black carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) anthocyanins

This work aimed at studying the color intensity and stability of black carrot anthocyanins as influenced by intermolecular co-pigmentation. For this purpose, purified anthocyanin solutions were supplemented with purified genuine black carrot phenolics, chlorogenic acid, and an aqueous phenolic-rich green coffee bean extract at various anthocyanin:co-pigment ratios (1:0–1:162; pH 3.6). The hyperchromic co-pigmentation effect depended on the concentration of added co-pigments, resulting in an absorbance increase of up to 22% at the absorption maximum. Anthocyanin stability during heating (90°C, 5h) was barely improved unless the concentrations of co-pigments exceeded those of their natural source. When adding co-pigments at ratios above 1:9.4, anthocyanin heat stability was significantly improved. As acylated anthocyanins were most stable, breeders might aim at increasing their content in the future, while breeding for high levels of colorless polyphenols may be unreachable. Nevertheless, we provided proof-of-concept for the successful color enhancement by the addition of a phenolic-rich green coffee bean extract, being useful for food-grade applications.

Phenolic and Chromatic Properties of Beibinghong Red Ice Wine during and after Vinification.

The phenolic and chromatic characteristics of a special red ice wine made from a Vitis amurensis × V. vinifera hybrid cultivar Beibinghong were studied. Results from two different vintages (2013 and 2014) showed that during vinification, the phenolic acid content increased, while the level of flavonoids (flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins) reduced by a variable extent. The color intensity and red % decreased together with a decrease in anthocyanin content. This was accompanied by an increase in hue as well as yellow %. The final phenolic content was found to be between 119.54 and 180.93 mg/L, with anthocyanins as the predominant phenolic group (92.06%–93.03%), of which 3,5-O-diglucosidic anthocyanins made up 53.55%–79.04%. Phenolic acids were the primary non-anthocyanin phenolics at about 6.64%–7.5%. The phenolic contents and color parameters of Beibinghong dry red wine and several V. vinifera dry red wines of superior color quality were also used in an attempt to clarify the relationship between phenolics and color in the Beibinghong red ice wine. By using Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), it was found that 3,5-O-diglucosidic anthocyanins and protocatechuic acid were the only characteristic phenolics that differentiated Beibinghong wines from the other selected red wines from more traditional varieties. They were also the main phenolics to be positively correlated with the hue and yellow % of the wine at the early stages leading into maturation. Their presence might, therefore, explain the relatively high hue and yellow % of Beibinghong ice wine.

Studies into the Stability of 3-O-Glycosylated and 3,5-O-Diglycosylated Anthocyanins in Differently Purified Liquid and Dried Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) Preparations during Storage and Thermal Treatment.

Anthocyanin stabilities in diluted and differently purified maqui preparations were assessed during storage and thermal treatment at different pH values. By sequentially depleting the matrix, the influence of polar low-molecular-weight matrix constituents and non-anthocyanin phenolics was shown to be negligible. In contrast, pH substantially affected thermal stabilities of differently glycosylated cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives. At pH 3.6, half-lives of 3-O-glycosides were substantially shorter than those of respective 3,5-O-diglycosides. However, at pH 2.2, an inverse stability behavior was observed. Findings were corroborated using isolated pigments. Upon heating, cyanidin derivatives were more stable than their respective delphinidins, but their stability was similar during storage. Anthocyanins in liquid samples were more stable when stored at 4 °C as compared to 20 °C, whereas those in dried powders revealed maximum stability throughout storage. The study contains a detailed discussion and mechanistic hypothesis for the above-mentioned findings, providing insights relevant for food applications of maqui anthocyanins.

Detailed analyses of fresh and dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) berries and juice

In this study, a detailed chemical characterization of nutritionally-relevant, quality-determining constituents in dried and fresh fruits as well as juices of maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) is provided. A total of 8 glycosylated anthocyanins was characterized in maqui fruits, being composed of differently substituted cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives. During processing into juice, a substantial loss in total anthocyanin contents (TAC) was observed. TAC values were also reduced after drying of maqui berries. Likewise, the browning index (BI) of fresh fruits increased during processing. Being composed of flavonol glycosides and ellagic acids, 17 non-anthocyanin phenolics were characterized in all maqui samples. Besides characterizing phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, total phenolics, major sugars, non-volatile organic acids, minerals and trace elements were quantitated. Moreover, total lipid contents and the fruits’ mainly unsaturated fatty acid profiles are reported. The presented results indicate the high potential of maqui as so far under-utilized but extremely pigment-rich “superfruit”.

Anthocyanin and other phenolic compounds in Ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa) fruits

Ceylon gooseberry is a deep-purple exotic berry that is being produced in Brazil with great market potential. This work aimed to determine major phenolic compounds in this specie by HPLC–PDA–ESI/MS. Samples were collected in two different seasons. Pulp and skin were analyzed separately. Non-acylated rutinoside derivatives of delphinidin (∼60–63%) and cyanidin (∼17–21%) were major anthocyanins tentatively identified. All anthocyanins had higher concentration in skin than in pulp (64–82 and 646–534mg of cyaniding-3-glucoside equivalents/100g skin and pulp, respectively). Moreover, anthocyanin profile changed between sampling dates (p<0.05). Mainly for delphinidin-3-rutinoside which could be a result of season variation. In this specie, non-anthocyanin polyphenols represent less than 35% of total extracted polyphenols. The tentative identification proposed a flavonol and three ellagitannins as major compounds of the non-anthocyanin phenolics fraction. Finally, anthocyanin is the major phenolic class in this fruit and its composition and content are significantly affected by season.

Evaluation of dihydroquercetin-3-O-glucoside from Malbec grapes as copigment of malvidin-3-O-glucoside

Malbec is a wine grape variety of great phenolic potential characterized for its high levels of anthocyanins and dihydroflavonols. To evaluate the possible implication of dihydroflavonols in the expression of red wine color through reactions of copigmentation or condensation, assays were carried out in wine model systems with different malvidin-3-O-glucoside:dihydroquercetin-3-O-glucoside molar ratios. The addition of increasing levels of dihydroquercetin-3-O-glucoside to a constant malvidin-3-O-glucoside concentration resulted in a hyperchromic effect associated with a darkening of the anthocyanin solutions, greater quantity of color and visual saturation, perceptible to the human eye. Copigmentation and thermodynamic measurements showed that dihydroquercetin-3-O-glucoside can act as an anthocyanin copigment, similar to other usual wine components like flavanols or phenolic acids, although apparently less efficient than flavonols. The high levels of dihydroflavonols existing in Malbec wines in relation to other non-anthocyanin phenolics should make this family of compounds particularly important to explain the color expression in Malbec young red wines.

Optimization of extraction parameters on the isolation of phenolic compounds from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) pomace.

There is an increasing interest to bio-components obtained from fruit & vegetable wastes. Anthocyanin is one of the components regained from fruits especially from red ones. Sour cherry is considered as industrial fruit since most of the grown fruit is processed into juice and hence considerable amount of pomace is removed from process. The influences of process parameters on the extraction of phenolic compounds from sour cherry pomace were investigated. Fifty-one percent ethanol concentration, 75°C temperature and 12mL/g solvent to solid ratio were selected as optimum process parameters. Time effect on the process efficiency was monitored at three different temperatures (25, 50 and 75°C) and total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were found to reach equilibrium concentrations between 80 and 100min time intervals. Ethanol concentrations affected differently extraction yield of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics. Various individual phenolic compounds present in sour cherry pomace were identified and quantified by HPLC equipped with UV/Vis PDA. Of the phenolic compounds, cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, neochlorogenic acid and catechin were the most abundant ones found in the pomace. 14.23 ± 0.38mg/g total phenolic, 0.41 ± 0.02mg/g total anthocyanin, 0.19 ± 0.02mg/g cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, 0.22 ± 0.01mg/g neochlorogenic acid and 0.22 ± 0.02mg/g catechin contents (dry weight) were determined in the pomace at optimum extraction conditions.

Comparative study of phenolic compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon wines made in traditional and Ganimede fermenters

Chemical profiles of anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenolics of Cabernet Sauvignon wine made by two different winemaking techniques (traditional vinification and Ganimede method) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). Particularly, effect of extraction on and subsequent stability of the phenolic compounds from the end of fermentation to bottling were investigated. The results showed that the total anthocyanin content was higher in the young wines produced in the Ganimede fermenter. The anthocyanin contents in these wines subsequently decreased significantly after two years of ageing. By contrast, the traditional vinification was slightly better than the Ganimede to yield the non-anthocyanin phenolics. This indicates that the Ganimede fermenter might be suitable for the production of brightly coloured red wines for early consumption, which could save time and labour cost for industrial production of highquality wines.

Stabilisation of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) anthocyanins by different pectins

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different pectins on strawberry anthocyanins in viscous model solutions at pH 3.0. For this purpose, low esterified amidated, low and high methyl esterified citrus and apple pectins, and a sugar beet pectin (SBP), respectively, were added to strawberry extracts. The latter were predominantly composed of pelargonidin-glycosides, containing either reduced (E-1) or original amounts of non-anthocyanin phenolics (E-2). Model systems were stored for 18weeks at 20±0.5°C protected from light, and anthocyanins were quantitated in regular intervals by HPLC-DAD analyses. Half-life (t1/2) and destruction (D) values were calculated based on first-order kinetics. Generally, significant differences in pigment retention could be ascribed to differing pectin sources, while variation in the degree of esterification and amidation, respectively, had negligible effects. Compared to systems without added pectin, apple pectins and SPB enhanced anthocyanin stability moderately, while stabilising effects of citrus pectins were poor or even imperceptible. Generally, the amount of non-anthocyanin phenolics and the addition of citrate did not markedly affect anthocyanin stability. However, pectins had no influence on total phenolic contents (Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and antioxidant capacities (FRAP and TEAC assay) of strawberry phenolics over time. For pelargonidin-3-glucoside and -rutinoside largely consistent stabilities were found in all model systems. In contrast, pelargonidin-3-malonylglucoside was less stable in the blank, and stabilisation by pectins was always negligible. The findings of the present study are contrary to results reported previously for the stabilisation of cyanidin- and delphinidin-glycosides in similar model systems prepared with black currant extracts, indicating a high impact of the number of hydroxyl groups in the anthocyanin B-ring.

Assessment of the impact of the addition of antimicrobial plant extracts to wine: Volatile and phenolic composition

Antimicrobial plant phenolic-rich extracts have been proposed as alternative to sulfites in the control of the malolactic fermentation (MLF) during winemaking. This addition may affect wine organoleptic properties. In this paper, we have investigated the changes in wine volatile and phenolic composition, after MLF, of a red wine treated with antimicrobial extracts from eucalyptus leaves and almond skins. Although addition of both extracts led to statistically significant changes (P < 0.05) in the concentration of several esters, alcohols, C13 nor-isoprenoids and volatile phenols, only few of these volatile compounds showed values of odour activity > 1 aroma unit; that is to say, whose concentrations were higher than their corresponding odour thresholds. With regard to phenolic compounds, the addition of both extracts did not significantly modify the content of anthocyanins, which predicts minor changes in wine colour. However, the content of non-anthocyanin phenolics was significantly higher in the wines treated with antimicrobial extracts, especially for flavonols, being the dose-over-taste factor for these wines significantly higher. Finally, principal component analysis showed that wines were mainly differentiated on the basis of whether MLF was conducted or not, and its method of performance (inoculated/spontaneous). Addition of antimicrobial extracts leads to some compositional changes in the wine, whose relevance needs to be addressed in future experiments, including wine sensorial analysis.

Impact of pectin type on the storage stability of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) anthocyanins in pectic model solutions

The effects of different pectins on the stabilisation of black currant anthocyanins in viscous model solutions at pH 3.0 were investigated. For this purpose, low esterified amidated (AM), low (LM) and high (HM) methoxylated citrus and apple pectins and a sugar beet pectin were added to a purified anthocyanin extract (ACN-E) and to an extract containing anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics (PP-E). Model systems were stored at 20±0.5°C in the dark. Anthocyanin contents were monitored by HPLC analysis over a period of 18weeks, and half-life and destruction values were calculated. In all pectic model solutions anthocyanin stability was significantly improved compared to stability of the extracts without added pectins (blank). Best stabilisation was obtained with AM pectin, followed by LM and HM pectins. In model systems containing citrus pectins, anthocyanin stabilisation was better compared to that of apple pectins having similar degrees of esterification and amidation, respectively. This was primarily due to the strong interaction of delphinidin glycosides with the citrus pectins, whereas stabilisation of cyanidin derivatives was less important. Sugar beet pectin improved anthocyanin stability only to a limited extent. In the presence of non-anthocyanin phenolics (PP-E) the impact of the pectin source was even more pronounced than the effect of the pectin type. Addition of citrate to pectic systems accelerated anthocyanin decay. Stabilising effects of pectins were hardly noticeable when evaluating total phenolic content (TPC, Folin–Ciocalteu) and antioxidant capacity during storage. Highest TPC, TEAC- and FRAP values were observed in systems containing citrus pectin, which was in contrast to sugar beet pectin, where values fell below those of the blank after storage.

Evaluation of the effects of different freezing and thawing methods on color, polyphenol and ascorbic acid retention in strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)

Strawberries were frozen conventionally (−20°C) and using liquid nitrogen, respectively, and subsequently thawed at various temperatures (+4, +20 and +37°C, respectively) and in a microwave oven. Drip loss was determined by weighing the exudates, color measurements were carried out applying the CIE L*a*b* system, ascorbic acid was monitored spectrophotometrically, and individual anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics were assessed by HPLC-DAD-MSn.While anthocyanin and ascorbic acid retentions after thawing were independent of the freezing technology, different thawing procedures significantly affected fruit quality. Anthocyanins were best retained when strawberries were thawed at 20°C and in a microwave oven, respectively. Maximum ascorbic acid retention was observed when strawberries were thawed in a microwave oven (10min). Usual thawing at 4°C (24h) caused the most pronounced pigment and ascorbic acid losses. Thus, the thawing regime proved to be the key parameter for color and vitamin C retention of strawberry products.

Characterisation of sugar beet pectin fractions providing enhanced stability of anthocyanin-based natural blue food colourants

The bathochromic effect resulting from the addition of sugar beet pectin (SBP) to black currant juice, purified anthocyanins (ACN-E) and purified polyphenol extracts comprising both anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics (PP-E), respectively, were monitored by VIS spectroscopy at varying pH relevant to food formulations (pH 3.6–5.0). Furthermore, a low molecular pectic polysaccharide fraction (PPF) was isolated from SBP using 70% aqueous 2-propanol and further characterised with respect to its chemical composition and mineral content. The marked bathochromic effect was found to be due to the formation of anthocyanin–metal chelate complexes. Only at pH 5.0 SBP entailed a moderate bathochromic shift of 12nm in model solutions containing ACN-E. This effect was enhanced in PPF model solutions resulting in a λmax shift up to 50nm, bringing about an intense blue colour. The bathochromic shift was boosted with increasing pH and upon purification of the anthocyanins. In contrast, after SBP and PPF addition to black currant juice, the bathochromic effect was almost annihilated. Model solutions were stored at 20°C in the dark for 12days, and optimum stability of the blue colour was observed at pH 5.0.

Thermal Degradation of Anthocyanins from Purple Potato (Cv. Purple Majesty) and Impact on Antioxidant Capacity

Degradation parameters of purified anthocyanins from purple-fleshed potato (cv. Purple Majesty) heated at high temperatures (100-150 °C) were determined. Purified anthocyanins, prepared by removing salts, sugars, and colorless nonanthocyanin phenolics from the crude extract, were monitored and quantified using HPLC and spectrophotometry for heat-induced degradation products. Separation of colorless phenolics from the anthocyanins was confirmed using HPLC at two wavelengths, 280 and 520 nm. The degradation kinetics of purified anthocyanins followed a first-order reaction with reaction rate constants (k values) of 0.0262-0.2855 min(-1), an activation energy of 72.89 kJ/mol, thermal death times (D values) of 8.06-8789 min, and a z value of 47.84 °C over the temperature range of 100-150 °C. The enthalpy and entropy of activation were 59.97 kJ/mol and -116.46 J/mol·K, respectively. The antioxidant capacity in the purified anthocyanins, measured by DPPH and ABTS assays, was increased after the thermal treatment, indicating antioxidant activities of degradation products in the samples.

Impact of processing and storage on the phenolic profiles and contents of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices

Juices were obtained on pilot-plant scale from untreated, steamed and peeled pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L.), respectively, by applying increasing pressures and various juice treatments, i.e., enzymatic treatment, filtration, clarification and pasteurization, to determine the influence of process technology on the phenolic profiles and contents of the juices. Polyphenols were characterized and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, and total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of the juices were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP and TEAC assays, respectively. The total amounts of anthocyanins and colorless phenolics in the juices significantly differed depending on the applied technology. Highest phenolic recoveries were obtained from steamed fruits without further treatment. In contrast, lowest phenolic contents were determined in the juices produced from peeled fruits, i.e., the isolated seeds with adherent arils. With increasing pressures, polyphenol recoveries were enhanced, whereas juice treatments such as microfiltration and fining lowered phenolic contents of the juices. Furthermore, the amounts of individual phenolics were determined by HPLC-DAD with ellagitannins dominating the phenolic profiles. Juices solely produced from the edible parts of pomegranate exhibited lower amounts of ellagitannins compared with the juices from entire fruits. In contrast, the former juices were characterized by the highest amounts of gallotannins, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and dihydroflavonols. These results were consistent with the astringency of the juices. Additionally, storage experiments were performed at 4 °C and 20 °C in the dark and 20 °C under light exposure, revealing significant pigment degradation and concomitant color loss, especially at elevated temperatures and upon illumination, whereas the contents of non-anthocyanin phenolics and antioxidant capacity remained virtually unchanged throughout storage.

High-purity isolation of anthocyanins mixtures from fruits and vegetables – A novel solid-phase extraction method using mixed mode cation-exchange chromatography

Research on biological activity of anthocyanins requires the availability of high purity materials. However, current methods to isolate anthocyanins or anthocyanin mixtures are tedious and expensive or insufficient for complete isolation. We applied a novel cation-exchange/reversed-phase combination solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique, and optimized the use of water/organic buffer mobile phases to selectively separate anthocyanins. Crude extracts of various representative anthocyanin sources were purified with this technique and compared to 3 commonly used SPE techniques: C 18, HLB, and LH-20. Purified anthocyanin fractions were analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS) detectors and by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The UV–visible chromatograms quantitatively demonstrated that our novel technique achieved significantly higher ( P < 0.05) anthocyanin purity than the C 18 cartridge, the next best method, for 11 of the 12 anthocyanin sources tested. Among them, eight were purified to greater than 99% purity (based on UV–visible chromatograms). The new method efficiently removed non-anthocyanin phenolics. MS and FT-IR results semi-quantitatively confirmed extensive reduction of impurities. Due to strong ionic interaction, our sorbent capacity was superior to others, resulting in the highest throughput and least use of organic solvents. This new methodology for isolation of anthocyanin mixtures drastically increased purity and efficiency while maintaining excellent recovery rate and low cost. The availability of high purity anthocyanin mixtures will facilitate anthocyanin studies and promote the application of anthocyanins in the food and nutraceutical industries.