Cyanidin

  Cyanidin is a natural organic compound which is classified as a flavonoid and an anthocyanin. It is a pigment found in many redberries including but not limited to grapes, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, elderberry, hawthorn, loganberry, acai berry and raspberry. It can also be found in other fruits such as apples and plums. It is also found in red cabbage. The highest concentrations of cyanidin are found in the skin of the fruit. Recently, the biosynthesis of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside in Escherichia coli was demonstrated.^[1]

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Daily Visual Balance Check

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

Effects on the human body

Cyanidin, like other anthocyanidins, has antioxidant and radical-scavenging effects which protect cells from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer. Studies in Japan carried out by Takanori Tsua et al. led to the theory that cyanidin may aid in preventing obesity and diabetes as well as containing anti-inflammatory effects. Other studies have generally shown that cyanidin may have an important future role in cancer therapy.^[2][3]

References

1. ^ [1]
2. ^ [2]
3. ^ [3].

Phytochemicals website (with book references) [4]