Overview of plant pigments

Abstract

Chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids, and betalains are four major classes of biological pigments produced in plants. Chlorophylls are the primary pigments responsible for plant photosynthesis. The other three are accessory pigments and secondary metabolites that possess much more diverse structures and functions in plants and more potential nutritional and medicinal benefits in the diet. This overview briefly covers the basics of the three accessory pigments and hopefully leads to an active interest in these beneficial compounds and an increasing intake of pigment-rich fruits and vegetables.