Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro
Published on: July 5, 2017
Proanthocyanidins in common food products of plant origin
Jarkko K Hellström1, A Riitta Törrönen, Pirjo H Mattila
1MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Biotechnology and Food Research, Myllytie 1, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland. jarkko.hellstrom@mtt.fi
Abstract:
The contents of extractable and unextractable proanthocyanidins were determined in a large number of commercial food products of plant origin available in Finland. Proanthocyanidins were extracted with aqueous acetone-methanol and quantified by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) according to their degree of polymerization. Unextractable proanthocyanidins were analyzed from the extraction residue by reversed phase HPLC after acid-catalyzed depolymerization as free flavan-3-ols (terminal units) and benzylthioethers (extension units). Proanthocyanidins were detected in 49 of 99 selected food items. The highest contents per fresh weight were determined in chokeberries, rose hips, and cocoa products. Berries and fruits were generally the best sources of proanthocyanidins, whereas most of the vegetables, roots, and cereals lacked them completely. Many of the samples contained a significant proportion of insoluble proanthocyanidins, which need to be quantified as well if total proanthocyanidins are studied. Considerable variation was observed in proanthocyanidin contents in berries, which requires further research.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...
Red Algae
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Introduction to Plant Diversity

