A simple extraction and chromatographic system for the simultaneous analysis of anthocyanins and stilbenes of Vitis species.

A separation system has been developed to permit the simultaneous analysis of major anthocyanins and stilbenes from berries of Vitis species in <1 h. The system makes use of separation by HPLC and detection by UV-visible absorption and fluorescence, for anthocyanins and stilbenes, respectively, with the two detection systems linked in series. Monitoring the absorption at 520 nm permits ready identification and quantification of major anthocyanins. Chromatograms derived from fluorescence (330 nm excitation/374 nm emission) produce less clear data for the piceids and resveratrols, which are present in much lower amounts; peaks for these compounds can be verified by means of external or internal standards.