Identification of procyanidins and anthocyanins in blueberries and cranberries (Vaccinium spp.) using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Blueberries and cranberries were analyzed for procyanidins using normal-pha se HPLC/MS. Monomers, identified as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, and a series of oligomers were detected in blueberries, and MS data confirmed th at the oligomers consisted of(epi)catechin units that were exclusively sing ly linked (B-type). The procyanidin "fingerprints" were similar for Tifblue and Rubel but higher than that for lowbush blueberries. In whole cranberri es, (-)-epicatechin was present, along with a complex series of oligomers. Both A-type (contained only one double linkage per oligomer) and B-type oli gomers were present. Two commercial cranberry juices exhibited similar proc yanidin profiles, except that one contained increased quantitites. There we re processing effects on the procyanidin content of cranberry extract and j uices when compared to those of the unprocessed fruits. Monomer, dimers, an d A-type trimers were the primary procyanidins, with only trace levels of t he B-type trimers and A-type tetramers and with an absence of the higher ol igomers in cranberry extract and juices.