Stabilized anthocyanin compositions

Abstract

The invention describes stabile anthocyanin compositions, methods to prepare such compositions and also methods of use of such compositions to treat various afflictions. The present invention describes unique compositions of an anthocyanin and a stabilizing compound such that the combination of the two components provides that the anthocyanin does not readily undergo degradation, such as oxidation, pH instability, etc.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising:
 a blueberry material and cysteine.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the blueberry material is selected from whole fruit, juice or extract. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the blueberry material is a dried material. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the dried material is a particulate or a powder. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of cysteine to blueberry material is from about 0.1 to about 10. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5 , wherein the weight ratio of cysteine to blueberry material is from about 2 to about 10. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is stable toward degradation when exposed to an aqueous environment with a pH of between about 2 and about 12. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein the composition is stable toward degradation when exposed to an aqueous environment with a pH of about 7.