Petunidin (Pt), like Europinidin and Malvidin, is derived from Delphinidin and is an O-methylated anthocyanidin of the 3-hydroxy type. It is a natural organic compound, a dark-red or purple water-soluble pigment found in many red berries including chokeberries (Aronia sp), Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia) or different species of grape (for instance Vitis vinifera, or muscadine, Vitis rotundifolia), and also part of the pigments responsible for the petal colors in many flowers. This pigment gives the Indigo Rose tomatoes the majority of their deep purple color when the fruits are exposed to sunlight. The name of the molecule itself is derived from the word Petunia.
Biosynthesis Petunidin could form in the exocarp of fruits from delphinidin, with an anthocyanin flavonoid O-methyltransferase (Catechol-O-methyl transferase) catalyzing the B-ring methylation and S-Adenosyl-L-methyl-3H methionine being the methyl group donor.
Glycosides Glycoside forms of petunidin are present in grape. These include :
Petunidin-3-O-glucoside Petunidin-3-O-(6-p-coumaroyl) glucoside Petunidin-3-O-(6-p-acetyl) glucoside Petunidin-3-O-galactoside Petunidin-3-rutinoside
The bark of Commiphora angolensis contains petunidin-3-rhamnoglucoside.Chemical study of bark from Commiphora angolensis Engl. Cardoso Do Vale, J., Bol Escola Farm Univ Coimbra Edicao Cient, 1962, volume 3, page 128 (abstract)
Uses Petunidin is referred as E165f, E163 and following numbers corresponding to anthocyanins in the food coloring E number list.
See also List of phytochemicals in food List of antioxidants in food
References