Anthocyanins from Eugenia myrtifolia Sims.

Eugenia myrtifolia Sims fruits have been characterized for their anthocyanin content and quality. Following the common procedures and validated methods for separation, identification and quantification of anthocyanins, we found the presence of malvidin 3,5-O-diglucoside as a unique anthocyanin (32,59 mg/100 g fresh weight of the fruit). An in vitro shoot culture of E. myrtifolia was established in order to explore the possibility to produce pigments in vitro. The presence of the only malvidin 3,5-O-diglucoside could be a useful feature in order to manipulate biotechnologically the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in the in vitro material (callus and suspension cultures).