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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #219679
Title: Comparison of Two Methods for Anthocyanin Quantification

Author
item Lee, Jungmin
item Rennaker, Christopher - Chris
item WROLSTAD, RONALD - OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/8/2008
Publication Date: 7/14/2008
Citation: Lee, J., Rennaker, C.D., Wrolstad, R.E. 2008. Comparison of two methods for anthocyanin quantification. Acta Horticulturae International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture. p.145.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The pH differential method (AOAC method 2005.02) by spectrophotometer, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are methods commonly used by researchers and the food industry for quantifying anthocyanins of samples or products. This study was carried out to establish a relationship between these two frequently utilized analytical methods. Seven juice samples, each containing an array of individual anthocyanins, were analyzed by pH differential and HPLC (two different conditions). Additional samples that had been processed in the lab were also included in the comparison (n > 180). This study demonstrated a high correlation (R > 0.925, p = 0.05) between the pH differential method and HPLC (both systems) when determining the amount of anthocyanins within samples. In both methods, total anthocyanins were greater when values were expressed as malvidin-3-glucoside than as cyanidin-3-glucoside. For laboratories that do not have the capability for HPLC analysis, the pH differential offers a straightforward and economical method to determine total anthocyanins. This study also demonstrated the importance of reporting the standard used to express the values. Methods and certified anthocyanin standards are critical for anthocyanin research and the food industry.