QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSES OF THE ANTHOCYANS IN BLACK CHOKEBERRIES (ARONIA-MELANOCARPA MICHX ELL) BY TLC, HPLC AND UV VIS-SPECTROMETRY/

Total anthocyanin content and qualitative and quantitative anthocyanin composition in black chokeberries [Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot t] were determined by TLC, HPLC and UV/VIS methods. After ethanol extr action and cleaning operations we found, in different varieties of bla ck chokeberries (Nero, Rubina and Viking), between 650 mg and 850 mg t otal anthocyanins per 100 g dry weight. The anthocyanin composition wa s analysed; (cyanidin was the only aglycon (anthocyanidin) found and t he monosaccharides galactose (68.9%), arabinose (27.5%), xylose (2.3%) and glucose (1.3%) were identified. The quantitative distribution is given in parentheses. In comparison with other berries and fruits, whi ch are rich in anthocyanins, black chokeberries have a simple anthocya nin spectrum, but a many times higher anthocyanin content. For that re ason chokeberries are of special interest as a source for a natural co lourant.