What happens when anthocyanin encounters alkali

There are many colors in our lives, and of course there is something called a water-soluble pigment - anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is one of the important pigments that make up the color of petals and fruits. It is because of anthocyanin that fruits, vegetables and flowers have their colors. It looks very bright and gives us visual enjoyment. Many people are interested in anthocyanins. Now some people ask what will happen when anthocyanins encounter alkali? Let’s find out together.

Anthocyanidin, also known as flower pigment, is a type of water-soluble natural pigment that is widely present in plants in nature and belongs to the flavonoid compound. It is also the main coloring substance in plant petals, and most of the colorful colors of fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. are related to it. Anthocyanins exist in the vacuoles of plant cells and can be converted from chlorophyll. The different pH conditions of the plant cell vacuoles make the petals appear in colorful colors. In autumn, the soluble sugar content increases and the cells are acidic, so they turn red under acidic conditions. Therefore, the red color of the leaves is due to the effect of anthocyanins. The depth of the color is positively correlated with the content of anthocyanins and can be quickly measured by a spectrophotometer. It turns blue under alkaline conditions. The color of anthocyanins is affected by many factors. Adverse environments such as low temperature, hypoxia and phosphorus deficiency can also promote the formation and accumulation of anthocyanins.

At present, most of the pigments used in the food industry are synthetic pigments, almost all of which are toxic to varying degrees. Long-term use will endanger human health. Therefore, natural pigments have attracted more and more attention in the scientific research field: Since there is no pure anthocyanin on the domestic market so far, the extraction of high-purity anthocyanins provides the necessary characterization conditions and theoretical basis for the in-depth research and development of anthocyanin pigments, and is conducive to its industrial utilization. Since there is no pure anthocyanin on the market, if you need to take anthocyanins, you can only do so through dietary supplements, such as eating blueberries, strawberries, grapes and other fruits.

In order to correctly guide consumers on how to use products containing anthocyanins, many anthocyanin research and development institutions have also published articles to remind consumers to treat consumption correctly and not to blindly pursue anthocyanin products. If they use or consume too many synthetic anthocyanin products, it will have side effects on the body, and the result will be counterproductive. Some domestic professional biotechnology research and development institutions, such as Heilongjiang's Aolante Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., Changbai Mountain's Blue Ship Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., and Hunan's Jiemeng Biotechnology Development Co., Ltd., are typical representatives. They have published articles in well-known domestic publications to warn the public that since many companies on the market abuse the concept of anthocyanins and confuse the public, please be cautious when choosing synthetic anthocyanin functional products.

Now we know what kind of reaction anthocyanins will have when they meet alkali, so we have a better understanding of anthocyanins. In addition, the anthocyanins in some fruits have health benefits. There are many impure anthocyanins on the market. Of course, if you want to obtain real anthocyanins, you still have to take them through food. This is the good anthocyanins that are pure and natural without additives.