Cyanidin-3-glucoside, nutritionally important constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities of Santalum album L. berries

Anthocyanins are ubiquitous plant pigments. They are hydrophilic, and have high tinctorial value hence, used as natural food colorant. The main aim of this study was characterization of Santalum album L. berries for its pigment content, nutritionally important phytoconstituents and functional attributes. Major pigment identified was cyanidin-3-glucoside (0.21% FW) as confirmed by spectral characteristics including LC-MS. Nutrients such as total carbohydrates (8.5), proteins (5.8), free amino acids (0.8 g), oil (1.5 g), ascorbic acid (1.5 μg), tocopherols (0.3 mg) and niacin (5.2 mg) per 100 g berries were determined along with total soluble solids (13.4°Brix) and phenols (3.1 mg GAE/g). Reducing power and DPPH· scavenging assays showed highest activity in methanol extract, which also efficiently protected bleaching of β-carotene (EC50 285 μg/mL) in β-carotene-linoleate model. Pigment rich crude extract was not toxic to HepG2 cells during 24 h exposure, whereas cyanidin-3-glucoside was cytotoxic (IC50 0.1 μg/mL).

Highlights► Santalum album L. berry is potential source of cyanidin-3-glucoside. ► The isolated cyanidin-3-glucoside showed good anticancer activity (IC50 0.1 μg/mL). ► Nutritionally important phytoconstituents of the berries have been determined. ► The berries would be useful in view of its nutritional and nutraceutical potential.