EFECTO DE LA LUZ SOBRE LA ESTABILIDAD DE LAS ANTOCIANINAS EN EXTRACTO ACUOSO DE FLOR DE JAMAICA (HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.).

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of light on the stability of anthocyanins and color of aqueous extract of Jamaica flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.). Ligth stability studies were carried out with the use of a 300 Lm of luminous flux LED bulb at a distance between 4 cm, 8 cm and 17 cm. The variation of anthocyanins concentration over time was determined. The statistical results showed that photochemical degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order kinetics. The losses of anthocyanins, expressed as a percentage of the initial concentration, after being exposed to light for ten days, they were 56,2 % (889 lx), 97,2 % (1627 lx) and 98,3 % (2142 lx). To evaluate color variation, the CIEL*a*b* system was used. The results showed that exposure to light for ten days produces changes in color total that are more pronounced at higher lighting levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]