ARS | Publication request: American cranberry products: proanthocyanidin purification and concentrations

Submitted to: International Society for Horticultural Science Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 27, 2012
Publication Date: June 17, 2012
Citation: Lee, J., Rennaker, C.D. 2012. American cranberry products: proanthocyanidin purification and concentrations. International Society for Horticultural Science Meeting. p.49.

Technical Abstract: American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) phenolics have important roles within the plant; they also contribute to harvest and product quality, and have potential human health benefits. Proanthocyanidins (phenolic polymers) may aid in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), although literature results have been mixed. The disparity among cranberry clinical trials might be due to the fruit’s natural variation in proanthocyanidin and other phytochemical content. Differences between methods for purification and analyses also contribute to the wide range of concentrations reported. In this study, five common sample purification techniques were evaluated prior to phloroglucinolysis (acid catalysis of proanthocyanidins in the presence of excess phloroglucinol, using two incubation periods), followed by HPLC analysis of proanthocyanidin. An optimized purification method was then used to identify and quantify the proanthocyanidins (extension and terminal units of epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, A-type trimer, A2) of commercially available cranberry products (juices, concentrates, tablets, and capsules; n=17). Hydroxypropylated cross-linked dextran beads were found best suited for proanthocyanidin purification, and the proanthocyanidin extension and terminal unit composition were contingent upon the cleanup procedure utilized. This data illustrate that purification methods should be taken into consideration when comparing values between studies, and prior to conducting any cranberry proanthocyanidin analyses.