Unraveling Nature's Color Palette: The Chemistry, Biosynthesis and Applications in Health Promotion of Anthocyanins-A Comprehensive Review

Anthocyanins are vivid pigments found in fruits, flowers, and leaves of plants. They are a subclass of flavonoid polyphenols formed via conjugating anthocyanidin with sugar, and have garnered significant interest in various industries owing to their potential in serving as natural pigments and therapeutic agents. Anthocyanins have medical therapeutic potential due to their pharmacological mechanisms of action, such as scavenging free radicals in organisms, anti-inflammation and prevention of diabetes. However, the broad application of anthocyanins remains limited due to their poor stability and low bioaccessibility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and research advancements on anthocyanins, including 1) the various species, molecular structure, properties, stability and biosynthesis, 2) the extraction, purification and identification methods, and 3) the functions and recent applications of anthocyanins. By providing insights into the latest advances and applications of anthocyanins, this review aims to facilitate their efficient and scientific utilization as natural pigments in food processing and their integration into nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. And this review will contribute valuable guidance for future studies and innovative applications in food industries. [GRAPHICS] .