Anthoxanthins (flavones and flavonols)[1] are a type of flavonoid pigments in plants. Anthoxanthins are water-soluble pigments which range in color from white or colorless to a creamy to yellow, often on petals of flowers. These pigments are generally whiter in an acid medium and yellowed in an alkaline medium. They are very susceptible to color changes with minerals and metal ions, similar to anthocyanins.
Uses
As with all flavonoids, anthoxanthins have antioxidant properties and are important for nutrition. They are sometimes used as food additives to add color or flavor to foods. One of the most well-known anthoxanthins is quercetin, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, including capers, red onions, and kale.
In addition to their use as food additives, anthoxanthins are also used in the production of dyes and pigments. Anthoxanthins can also be used to create yellow, orange, or red dyes for use in textiles, cosmetics, and other products.
References
^Isolation of a UDP-glucose: Flavonoid 5-O-glucosyltransferase gene and expression analysis of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.). Da Qiu Zhao, Chen Xia Han, Jin Tao Ge and Jun Tao, Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 15 November 2012, Volume 15, Number 6, doi:10.2225/vol15-issue6-fulltext-7
