Resumo

GARZON, GLORIA ASTRID. Anthocyanins As Natural Colorants And Bioactive Compounds: A Review. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.3, pp.27-36. ISSN 0120-548X.

At present there is a considerable demand for natural colorants to replace synthetic ones such red No. 40 due to their toxicity when added to food products, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Anthocyanins are vegetable pigments with high potential for replacement of synthetic dyes. Consequently, it is important to know the biochemical aspects that characterize these pigments. The objective of this review is to offer an updated overview of the potential of anthocyanins as natural colorants and their chemical and bioactive properties. Anthocyanins are pigments responsible for colors varying between red and purple in many fruits, vegetables and cereals. Interest in these pigments has intensified due not only to their potential as natural colorants, but also because of their therapeutic properties. Health benefits associated with anthocyanin extracts include reduced risk of coronary heart disease, anticarcinogen and antitumoral activity, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects, improved visual acuity, and improved cognitive behavior. The bioactive properties of anthocyaninas open new perspectives for the use of these pigments in obtaining value-added colored products for human consumption.

Palavras-chave : anthocyanins; natural colorants; bioactivity.

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