Introduction to Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are secondary plant metabolites and are chemically di or tri hydroxy B ring substituted flavonoids containing a flavylium cation. These are focus of much attention these days due to their vibrant colors and immunity boosting and health promoting effects mainly in ameloriating various cholesterol related and oxidation induced diseases. All of these mentioned functions, effects and activities of anthocyanins are due to their unique structure. Anthocyanins being water soluble pigments have high hydrogen bonding capacity. The OH groups on their sugar moieties, possible acyl groups and anthocyanindin imparts them hydrophilic characteristics. This chapter describes brief history of discovery of anthocyanins as well as detailed information on chemistry of anthocyanins. Various metabolites and intermediate products of anthocyanin metabolism and their chemistry have also been discussed.