Marian Zboraj12.11.07
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), Silver Spring, MD, has provided analytical tools and methods to identify adulteration of powdered raw materials labeled as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract. There are well-established scientifically valid methods to determine the presence of red dye in materials purported to be powdered bilberry extracts. They are provided now as immediately available practical tools for industry in order to deal appropriately with reports of adulteration of this ingredient and make wise purchasing decisions.
One method is a fairly simple procedure of raising the pH of dilute bilberry extract; the resulting color change from red to blue indicates the presence of anthocyanins. The other method utilizes high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to provide a visual image that separates anthocyanins from amaranth dye (red dye no. 2) that has been discovered as an adulterant in some powdered material labeled as bilberry extract.
One method is a fairly simple procedure of raising the pH of dilute bilberry extract; the resulting color change from red to blue indicates the presence of anthocyanins. The other method utilizes high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to provide a visual image that separates anthocyanins from amaranth dye (red dye no. 2) that has been discovered as an adulterant in some powdered material labeled as bilberry extract.
