Anthocyanin Pigment Composition of Blackberries

ABSTRACT: The anthocyanin pigments in 51 blackberry samples were isolated and characterized by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-visible detection, electrospray mass spectroscopy (ESMS), and hydrolysis and saponification reactions. Five pigments were detected: cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-xyloside, cyanidin-3-glucoside acylated with malonic acid, and an unidentified acylated derivative of cyanidin-3-glucoside. Four different quantitative patterns were evident among the cultivars and selections. Total anthocyanin content ranged from 70.3 to 201 mg/100 g with a mean of 137 mg/100 g. Ten commercial blackberry juice concentrate samples were analyzed. Total anthocyanin ranged from 12.3 to 107 mg/100 g on a single-strength juice basis, and 1 sample had an atypical profile.     

Identification and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins extracted from the seed and cob of purple corn (Zea mays L.)

The total anthocyanin content (TAC) and the antioxidant activity of the seed and cob from Chinese purple corn (Zea mays L., cv Zihei) extracts were determined by pH-differential method, and DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC methods, respectively. TAC in purple corn cob anthocyanins (PCCAs) extract was higher than TAC in purple corn seed anthocyanins (PCSAs) extract. Compared to bulylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), PCCAs and PCSAs possessed significantly higher antioxidant activities, according to the DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays. A satisfactory correlation between TAC and antioxidant activity was observed. Result indicated that cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside were components in PCSAs extracts, and seven kinds of anthocyanin had been detected and six kinds of anthocyanin in PCCAs extracts were separated and identified them as cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside, and their respective malonated counterparts as their anthocyanins using HPLC–MS analysis.Industrial relevanceIn the last decades, in interest in anthocyanin pigments has increased because of their possible utilization as natural food colorants and especially as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Purple corn is a pigmented variety of Z. mays L., originally cultivated in Latin America. Now, this corn variety is mainly grown in China, especially in Shanxi and Anhui Province, could be new and interesting sources to obtain extracts rich in anthocyanins for their use in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Our results indicated that the seed and cob of purple corn possessed excellent antioxidant activity, which could lead to increased application of these natural food colorants by the food industry.     

‘蓓蕾’蓝靛果中花色苷组成鉴定及抗氧化能力比较分析

对蓝靛果中花色苷的组成进行鉴定,并对其抗氧化能力进行比较分析。实验以蓝靛果（‘蓓蕾’品种）为原料,采用有机溶剂60%乙醇（0.1%盐酸酸化）溶液,超声辅助提取90 min;利用D101大孔树脂对获得的粗提物进行纯化,之后冷冻干燥制得粉末物质。通过pH示差法和福林-酚法分别测定总花色苷含量和总多酚含量,分别为（353.35±0.79）、（474.01±2.12）mg/g;并用高效液相色谱-质谱联用法对花色苷组成进行鉴定,共发现11 种花色苷,其中矢车菊-3-葡萄糖苷为主要花色苷（90.679%）。此外,实验还通过总抗氧化能力测定和2,2’-联氨-二（3-乙基苯并噻唑-6-磺酸）二铵盐自由基、1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基清除能力测定,比较分析蓝靛果花色苷提取物、矢车菊-3-葡萄糖苷、VC的抗氧化能力,结果表明,3 种物质的抗氧化能力排序为：矢车菊-3-葡萄糖苷＞花色苷提取物＞VC。     

蔓越莓花色苷的组成鉴定及抗氧化能力

对蔓越莓花色苷的组成进行鉴定,并对其抗氧化能力进行测定。采用pH示差法测定花色苷提取量,超高压辅助提取蔓越莓花色苷含量为（75.49±0.43）mg/100?g,常规溶剂提取蔓越莓花色苷含量为（67.31±1.08）mg/100?g,蔓越莓中总花色苷含量为（79.52±0.50）mg/100?g;选择AB-8大孔树脂对蔓越莓花色苷粗提物进行纯化,冻干粉中花色苷含量从（46.10±0.92）mg/g提高到（309.26±2.37）mg/g。通过测定1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基清除率、2,2’-联氮基-双-（3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸）二铵盐自由基清除能力和总抗氧化能力,比较蔓越莓花色苷与VC的抗氧化能力。结果表明：同质量浓度条件下,蔓越莓花色苷的抗氧化能力强于VC。通过高效液相色谱-质谱联用技术在蔓越莓中鉴定出7?种花色苷：芍药素-3,5-二己糖苷、矢车菊素-3-半乳糖苷、矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷、矢车菊素-3-阿拉伯糖苷、芍药素-3-半乳糖苷、芍药素-3-葡萄糖苷、芍药素-3-阿拉伯糖苷,其中芍药素-3,5-二己糖苷首次在蔓越莓中被鉴定出。     

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of the Anthocyanins in Sageretia theezans Brongn Fruit

Antioxidant activities of the extract containing anthocyanins from fruit of Sageretia theezans Brongn were investigated in this work. The fruit of Sageretia theezans Brongn was treated with 0.001 mol·L^–1 HCl in a solid (g): liquid (mL) ratio 1:10 to give extract. Total anthocyanins content was 253.10 ± 2.31 mg in 100 g fruit. The anthocyanins in extract were determined as cyanidin-3-sophorose-5-glucoside (Cy-3-Sp-5-Glu), petunidin-3-(6′-malonyl)-glucoside (Pt-3-(6’-Mal)-Glu), malvinidin-3-glucosid (Mv-3-Glu), and peonidin-3-(6′-malonyl)-glucoside (Pn-3-(6’-Mal)Glu) in 0.38, 22.57, 44.32, and 30.86%, respectively, by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Antioxidant activities of the anthocyanins in extract were evaluated by methods of ferric reducing antioxidant power, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, and superoxide radical scavenging assay. The anthocyanins in extract exhibited obvious antioxidative activities. These results suggested that the fruit of Sageretia theezans Brongn could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants.     

桑椹提取物中酚类化合物的抗氧化及抗糖基化活性分析

利用葡聚糖凝胶层析柱将桑椹提取物分为6 个组分（F1、F2、F3、F4、F5、F6）,研究了桑椹中酚类化合物的抗氧化能力和抗糖基化能力。采用Folin-酚法、pH示差法和高效液相色谱法测定各组分总酚、总花色苷含量和酚类化合物成分;通过1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH）自由基、2,2’-联氮-二（3-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸）（2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid),ABTS）自由基清除率和亚铁还原能力实验评价各组分抗氧化能力;建立牛血清白蛋白-果糖模拟反应体系和牛血清白蛋白-丙酮醛模拟反应体系评价各组分抗糖基化能力。结果表明：桑椹提取物中检测出5 种酚酸、两种花色苷和两种黄酮类物质;F3的总花色苷含量最高（P＜0.05,（101.10±2.39） mg 矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷当量/g）,F5的总酚含量最高（P＜0.05,（188.05±2.01） mg 没食子酸当量/g）;F3的抗氧化能力显著高于其他组分（P＜0.05,DPPH自由基清除能力、ABTS＋·清除能力、亚铁还原能力分别为（129.33±5.58）、（194.33±2.48）、（130.44±1.38） mmol Trolox/g）,F5的抗糖基化能力显著强于其他组分（P＜0.05,牛血清白蛋白-果糖模拟反应体系和牛血清白蛋白-丙酮醛模拟反应体系中的糖基化抑制率分别为（87.23±0.36）%和（66.99±1.62）%）;桑椹提取物的抗氧化能力、抗糖基化能力分别与总花色苷、总酚含量呈现显著的回归关系（P＜0.05）。     

野生蓝果忍冬多酚鉴定及其抗氧化、降血糖活性

目的：对野生蓝果忍冬进行多酚成分鉴定和抗氧化、抗淀粉酶活性研究。方法：以我国小兴安岭地区的野生蓝果忍冬果实为材料,通过固相萃取技术分离纯化得到花色苷和非花色苷分离液,测定分离液中的化学成分,并测定多酚粗提液中总酚和总花色苷含量,抗氧化活性（1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基清除能力、铁离子还原能力、2,2’-联氮-双(3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)阳离子自由基清除能力、氧自由基吸收能力）,抗α-淀粉酶、α-葡萄糖苷酶活性和脂肪酶活性。结果：野生蓝果忍冬果实中含有丰富的花色苷和非花色苷多酚,尤其是矢车菊素-3-葡萄糖苷和山柰酚-3-芸香糖苷含量很高;蓝果忍冬多酚粗提液中总酚含量为82.7 mg/100 g,总花色苷含量为49.8 mg/100 g,具有较强的抗氧化活性;对α-淀粉酶、α-葡萄糖苷酶活性的半抑制质量浓度分别为0.39 mg/mL和0.933 mg/mL,对脂肪酶活性的半抑制质量浓度为12.31 mg/mL,说明蓝果忍冬可以作为一种有前景的淀粉酶抑制剂。     

Extraction of antioxidant compounds from Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) skins: Yield, composition and economical evaluation

Obtaining an extract with high antioxidant activity using environmentally friendly technologies and low-cost raw materials is of great interest. In the present work, a combined extraction process developed by our research group involving ultrasound treatment and agitated solvent extraction was evaluated. This method was compared in terms of yield, composition, and economical feasibility to traditional extraction methods, including ultrasound assisted, agitated bed and soxhlet extraction with ethanol (acidified or not). The proposed method maximizes the extraction of phenolic compounds with acceptable degradation of anthocyanin pigments from an unusual source: Brazilian jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) skins. The use of ultrasonic irradiation continuously supporting a main extraction process has demonstrated increased performance but implies in high consumption of energy and consequently, money. However, the procedure described in this paper appears to be a viable option because it uses shorter ultrasonic irradiation and results in high antioxidant activity extracts, and the anthocyanin profile corroborates literature data (cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside).     

Identification of anthocyanins and distribution of flavonoids in tamarillo fruit (Cyphomandra betaceae (Cav.) Sendt.)

The major tamarillo (Cyphomandra betaceae) anthocyanin pigments were isolated and identified as pelargonidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside. The intense purple-coloured jelly surrounding the seeds contained the greatest concentration of anthocyanins, delphinidin-3-rutinoside being the major pigment. Flavones, flavonols and leucoanthocyanins were also present in this material. The yellow-coloured flesh contained flavones and low concentration of anthocyanins. The major anthocyanin of the skins is cyanidin-3-rutinoside; flavones and leucoanthocyanins are also present. It is suggested that the presence of leucoanthocyanins in pigment extracts induced degradation of anthocyanins during isolation and purification.     

Retention of Antioxidant Capacity of Vacuum Microwave Dried Cranberry

ABSTRACT: In this study, cranberries were dried by vacuum-microwave drying (VMD), freeze-drying (FD), or hot air-drying (AD), to compare the effects of different drying processes on both physical changes as well as the retention of bioactive components in dried samples. Total porosity (%) and average pore radius of dehydrated cranberries were greater using VMD compared to FD and AD (P < 0.05). Crude methanol cranberry powdered extracts were fractionated by solid phase extraction (SPE) into organic acid-, total phenolics-, anthocyanin-, or proanthocyanidin-enriched extracts, respectively. The chemical composition of the 60% acidified methanol fractions contained cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3-galactoside, and peonidin-3-arabinoside, as assessed by HPLC. Antioxidant activities of cranberry fractions were measured using chemical ORAC and ABTS methods. The 60% acidified methanol fraction had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) antioxidant potential than the other chemical fractions, which was largely attributed to the relatively higher anthocyanin content. In general, vacuum-microwave drying and freeze-drying resulted in similar retention of anthocyanins and antioxidant activity, which were both relatively higher (P < 0.05) than that recovered from cranberries dried by hot air drying.     

Solid-phase extraction of berries’ anthocyanins and evaluation of their antioxidative properties

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to obtain anthocyanin-rich extracts from five berry species: chokeberry, elderberry, black currant, blackberry and blueberry. During SPE more than 94.4% of the sugars and more than 88.5% of the acids present in the crude extracts were separated. The SPE resulted in 90–95.6% anthocyanins recovery. The antioxidative properties of the anthocyanin-rich extracts were tested by measuring their oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC), total peroxyl radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), scavenging of nitric oxide and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Elderberry extract revealed the highest ORAC value of 5783 μmol TE/g. Chokeberry extract was the most potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation and had the highest TRAP value of 4051 μmol TE/g. Blueberry extract had the highest HORAC result – 1293 μmol GAE/g and was the most powerful scavenger of NO. The high antioxidant activity according to all antioxidant assays revealed opportunities to apply these preparations as antioxidants.     

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Raspberry and Blackberry Cultivars

ABSTRACT: Raspberry (Aksu Kırmızısı, Rubin, Newburgh, Hollanda Boduru, Heritage) and blackberry (Bursa 1, Bursa 2, Jumbo, Chester) cultivars were assayed for antioxidant activity (determined as 2,2-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzothialozine-sulphonic acid][ABTS], 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical [DPPH], and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC]), total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents. In addition, 10 anthocyanins and anthocyanidins were determined in raspberry and blackberry by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Raspberry and blackberry had the highest ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents in methanol extracts, whereas total anthocyanin contents were the highest in water extracts. The antioxidant activity of the raspberry and blackberry was directly related to the total amount of phenolic compounds detected in the raspberry and blackberry. All antioxidant activity values were highly correlated with anthocyanin content in blackberry (0.93 ≤ r ≤ 0.99, P = 0.05). On the other hand, high correlation between total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in water extract of blackberry (0.91 ≤ r ≤ 0.93, P = 0.05). ABTS value was highly correlated with total flavonoid content in methanol extract (r = 0.90), whereas total flavonoid content was relatively less correlated with DPPH (r = 0.85) and CUPRAC (r = 0.89).     

Phenolic Analyses of Haskap Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.): Spectrophotometry Versus High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are known for their high phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential. The data on the phenolic profile of these fruits are lacking. In this study, the phenolic profiles of three haskap varieties; tundra, berry blue, and indigo gem grown in Nova Scotia, Canada were investigated for the first time using spectrophotometery and high-performance liquid chromatography. Berries were analyzed for total phenolic content/total reducing capacity, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant potential (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity). The total reducing capacity, total anthocyanin content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl values were 6.17–8.42 mg gallic acid equivalents/gram fresh weight, 4.49–6.97 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/gram fresh weight, and 78.70–89.55%, respectively. The extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase diode array detector–high-performance liquid chromatography through a gradient elution using Synergi 4 µm Max-RP C12 column and the chromatograms were acquired at 520, 360, and 320 nm for athocyanins, flavonoids, and free phenolic acids, respectively. The identified anthocyanins were cyanidin-3-glucoside (82.81–91.99% of the total anthocyanins), cyanidin 3,5-di-glucoside (2.31–4.27%), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (1.54–9.20%), peonidin-3-O-glucoside (0.75–3.44%), and pelargonidin-3-glucoside (0.77–2.98%). Other flavonoids (quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside and quercetin-3-rutinoside) and free phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic) were also quantified.     

Analytical characterization and the impact of ageing on anthocyanin composition and degradation in juices from five sour cherry cultivars

Five different sour cherry cultivars were processed to sour cherry juices in order to analyze their composition and the impact of storage on anthocyanin composition. Regarding primary juice parameters all cultivars showed high dry masses (13.8–17.2° Brix) and sugar free extracts (59.4–74.3 g/L). Anthocyanins were identified as cyanidin-3-(2^G-glucosylrutinoside), cyanidin-3-(2^G-xylosylrutinoside), cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and peonidin-3-rutinoside. Besides the original anthocyanins, 5-carboxypyrano-anthocyanins occurred as new reaction products during storage. HPLC-MSⁿ experiments revealed, that a further ageing pigment was probably resulting from the reaction of an original anthocyanin with acetaldehyde. A significant decline of the original anthocyanin concentrations could be observed (70–75%) during 6 months of storage at 20 °C. Degradation kinetics of anthocyanins were calculated taking the reaction rate as first order. Colourless polyphenol concentrations and antioxidant capacities (TEAC) of the juices were not affected during storage.     

Electrochemical behaviour and antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins from Chilean red wine,grape and raspberry

The anthocyanin fractions were extracted from Cabernet Sauvignon red wine, skins of Vitis vinifera grapes and raspberry fruits (Rubus idaeus). In red wine extract, 16 anthocyanins were identified, malvidin-3-O-glucoside being the main anthocyanin, which comprised 53.6% of the total anthocyanin in grape extract. Raspberry extract contained mainly delphinidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was assayed by electrochemical methods. Best resolution of the oxidation peaks for the extracts and diluted wine was obtained by pulse differential voltammetry. The wine diluted 20× presented values of P1 (443 mV) and P2 (676 mV) similar to those corresponding to wine extract, and to the anthocyanin malvidin-3-O-glucoside. The antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins in extracts of wine, grape skin and raspberry fruit was also determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method.     

Effect of thermal processing on antioxidant properties of purple wheat bran

Antioxidant activity of purple wheat bran, heat-treated purple wheat bran, and purple wheat bran muffins was evaluated to determine the impact of thermal processing on potential health benefits. The purple wheat bran and muffin samples were analyzed for total phenolic content, anthocyanin content and free radical scavenging activity using peroxyl (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay) radicals. Total phenolic content and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of sample extracts were significantly affected by various extracting solvents. The conditions selected for heat treatment did not markedly change antioxidant activity of purple wheat bran. However, there was a significant reduction in total phenolic contents, ORAC values and total anthocyanins during processing of purple wheat bran- or heat-treated purple wheat bran-enriched muffins. On the contrary, muffin extracts still remained excellent in DPPH radical scavenging activity.     

Antioxidative Properties of Commercial Fruit Preparations and Stability of Bilberry and Black Currant Extracts in Milk Products

ABSTRACT: Nineteen commercial fruit preparations were analyzed for antioxidant capacity (anti-radical power [ARP] and oxygen radical absorbance capacity [ORAC]). ARP and ORAC values of blends with 13% (w/w) bilberry and black currant extract in low-fat milk or low-fat fermented milk were assessed. Antioxidant capacity in 13% berry/fermented milk blends packed in glass or cardboard cartridges and stored for 3 wk in the dark or under fluorescent light was determined. ARP and ORAC values of most fruit preparations greatly exceeded those of plain milk. Milk blends with berry extract increased ARP values 5-fold to 13-fold and ORAC values by 40% to 100%. Packaging material, illumination, and storage period had no consistent effects on antioxidant capacity.     

Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in rice brans of different color

Rice bran, a byproduct of the rice milling process, contains most of the phytochemicals. This study aimed at determining the concentrations of lipophilic, solvent-extractable (free), and cell wall-bound (bound) phytochemicals and their antioxidant capacities from brans of white, light brown, brown, purple, and red colors, and broccoli and blueberry for comparison. The concentrations of lipophilic antioxidants of vitamin E (tocopherol and tocotrienols) and γ-oryzanols were 319.67 to 443.73 and 3861.93 to 5911.12 μg/g bran dry weight (DW), respectively, and were not associated with bran color. The total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capacities of ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, and iron-chelating in the free fraction were correlated with the intensity of bran color, while variations of these in the bound fraction were less than those in the free fraction among brans. Compounds in the bound fraction had higher antioxidant capacity of ORAC than DPPH, relative to those in the free fraction. The bound fraction of light-color brans contributed as much to its total ORAC as the free fraction. Total proanthocyanidin concentration was the highest in red rice bran, while total anthocyanin was highest in purple brans. The predominant anthocyanin was cyanidin-3-glucoside. Red and purple brans had several fold higher total phenolics and flavonoids as well as ORAC and DPPH, from both free and bound fractions, than freeze-dried blueberry and broccoli. These results indicate that rice brans are natural sources of hydrophilic and lipophilic phytochemicals for use in quality control of various food systems as well as for nutraceutical and functional food application.     

Influence of Cultivation System on Bioactive Molecules Synthesis in Strawberries: Spin-off on Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity

ABSTRACT:  Strawberries ( Fragaria ananassa  L., cv. favette) were studied to investigate the influence of cultivation practices (biodynamic, conventional) on the synthesis of bioactive molecules (ascorbic acid, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, flavonols) and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. Additionally, the  in vitro  bioactivity, in terms of antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, of the same strawberry samples in human colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells was also studied. Compared to conventional strawberries, biodynamic fruits had a significantly higher content of ascorbic acid ( P  < 0.01), pelargonidin-3-glucoside ( P  < 0.05), cyanidin-3-glucoside ( P  < 0.01), ellagic acid ( P  < 0.01), quercetin, and kaempferol (both  P  < 0.01). Antioxidant activity of biodynamic strawberry crude extract was significantly higher than that of the conventional one ( P  < 0.05); in addition, while the antioxidant activity of water-soluble fraction was very similar in both biodynamic and conventional strawberries, that of water-insoluble fraction of biodynamic fruits was significantly higher ( P  < 0.05). The same crude extract of biodynamic strawberry samples effectively corresponded to an increase of bioactivity, in terms of both cellular antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity, in Caco-2 cells differentiated to normal intestinal epithelia and in undifferentiated Caco-2, respectively. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the practice of biodynamic agriculture is likely to increase the bioactivity of other varieties of fruits and vegetables.     

In vitro absorption and antiproliferative activities of monomeric and polymeric anthocyanin fractions from açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Anthocyanins are among the most important and widely consumed natural pigments in foods, and have attracted increased attention as natural food colourants and potent bioactive agents. However, anthocyanins are generally unstable and may undergo chemical changes that include oxidative and polymerisation reactions during processing and storage. The role of anthocyanin polymerisation reactions on in vitro intestinal absorption and anti-cancer properties has not been assessed. This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, antiproliferative activity, and in vitro absorption of monomeric and polymeric anthocyanin fractions from açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). Cyanidin-3-rutinoside (58.5 ± 4.6%) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (41.5 ± 1.1%) were the predominant compounds found in monomeric fractions, while a mixture of anthocyanin adducts were found in polymeric fractions and characterised using HPLC–ESI-MSⁿ analyses. Monomeric fractions (0.5–100 μg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/ml) inhibited HT-29 colon cancer cell proliferation by up to 95.2% while polymeric anthocyanin fractions (0.5–100 μg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/ml) induced up to 92.3% inhibition. In vitro absorption trials using Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayers demonstrated that cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were similarly transported from the apical to the basolateral side of the cell monolayers (0.5–4.9% efficiency), while no polymeric anthocyanins were transported following incubation for up to 2 h. The addition of polymeric anthocyanin fractions also decreased monomeric anthocyanin transport by up to 40.3 ± 2.8%. Results from this study provide novel information regarding the relative size, absorption, and bioactive properties of anthocyanin monomers and polymer adducts.