Research on betanidin oxidation by ABTS radicals

Betanidin is a basic betacyanin with 5,6-dihydroxyl moiety which causes its high antioxidant activity. It belongs to betalains, a group of natural, water-soluble plant pigments, which elicit a red-violet coloration of fruits and fl owers. One of the most popular sources of betanidin is red beet root (Beta vulgaris L.). Recent studies have shown importance of betalains oxidation, because of their high natural, antiradical and antioxidant activity and potential benefi ts for human health [1]. An eff ect of oxidation of betanidin using ABTS radicals was investigated in aqueous solutions at pH 3–8 and compared to activity of horseradish peroxidase. Products of the biomimetic betanidin oxidation were monitored by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to optical detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS). The presence of two main oxidation products: 2-decarboxy-2,3-dehydro-betanidin and 2,17-didecarboxy-2,3-dehydro- -betanidin at pH 3 indicates their generation through two possible reaction ways with two diff erent quinonoid intermediates: dopachrome derivative and quinone methide. Both reaction paths lead to the decarboxylative dehydrogenation of betanidin.