Structure and Contents of Main Coloring Constituents in the Calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Commercial Roselle Color

Abstract

A main coloring constituent in dry calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa was not delphinidinprimveroside, but delphinidin-sambubioside, whose structure was clearly identified as delphinidin 3-[o-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (1) by spectroscopic methods (i.e. H-H longrange COSY NMR and NOESY NMR). On quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography, the contents of 1 in the water extract and a commercial roselle color were 1.1 and 0.3%, respectively. Since 1 seemed to represent the color of the water extract, 1 might be used as a guide compound for standardization of commercial roselle colors. © 1991, Japanese Society for Food Hygiene and Safety. All rights reserved.