December 12, 2014

What is proanthocyanidins?

Proanthocyanidins also called condensed tannins, are oligomers, and polymers of monomeric flavonoids. It represents a major group of phenolic compounds that occurs ubiquitously in woody and some herbaceous plants.

More specifically, they are polyflavans, condensed molecules of those flavonoids with a saturated ‘C’ ring. Linkage of the flavan-3-ol units occurs mainly through the C4  C8 bond, although a C4  C6 bond may also exits (B-type linkages).

Proanthocyanidins are considered secondary metabolites of plants, i.e. they are not required for the structural or metabolic integrity of the organism. The proanthocyanidins are classified according to the type of flavan-3-ols present, which vary in their OH patterns at C3 on the B ring.

The two major classes of proanthocyanidins found in berry fruit include procyanidins, composed exclusively of epi (catechin) units, and propelargonidins, composed exclusively of (epi)afzelechin units.

When tannins are consumed by man, they often have astringent properties. This properties cause by the cross-linkage of protein and glycoproteins and a corresponding loss of lubrication in the mouth and throat.

Proanthocyanidins are common in fruits, fruit pods, sees and shell, either as preracetates or in free phenolic forms.
What is proanthocyanidins?

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