ABSTRACT
The anthocyanins are colored pigments, commonly found in red, blue, and purple flowers. In higher plants there exist different types of anthocyanins and generally may be found in more than one type in a given plant tissue structure. Anthocyanins are present as glycosides, in general with one or two units of glucose or galactose in the central ring of the hydroxyl group, or in the hydroxyl group located in position 5 of the ring. Based on literature, various possible functions of anthocyanins have been discussed. The anthocyanins, in general, have positive charges which move to negative pole during the process of electrophoresis, while the betacyanins commonly have one net negative charge which moves up to the positive pole. The betalains provide coloration to flowers and fruits, yellow or orange-red and violet and also gives color, to some extent, to particular plant tissue organs.
