A green method for anthocyanin extraction from Clitoria ternatea flowers cultivated in southern Brazil: Characterization, in vivo toxicity, and biological activity
This study aimed to develop a green method to obtain an anthocyanin-rich edible extract of Clitoria ternatea
flowers grown in southern Brazil. The extract was characterized by UHPLC-MSn and analyzed for toxicological
potential in an in vivo model, total phenolic content, and biological activities. By using a 23 multivariate design to
study the effects of temperature, acidified solvent, and time on the total anthocyanin content (487.25 mg/g),
total phenolic content (2242.47 mgGAE/g), it was possible to determine the optimal point (45 ◦C, 16 min, and
22.5 mL extraction solution). Thirteen anthocyanins and nine non-anthocyanins were quantified. In vivo toxicity
assay using Galleria mellonella showed a safe concentration when administered up to 2.2 g of extract per body kg.
The extract showed antioxidant activity and antibacterial action against food pathogens, the method proved to
have a low environmental impact, in addition to producing an extract with potential for application in food.
