First, the nature is different.
1. Anthocyanin is a water-soluble natural pigment widely existing in plants in nature, and it is an aglycone obtained by hydrolysis of anthocyanin.
2. Proanthocyanidin is a general term for a large class of polyphenol compounds widely existing in plants.
Second, the role is different.
1. anthocyanin: an active molecule, which not only makes plants show colorful colors, but also has health care functions such as reducing enzyme activity and anti-mutation; It can not only be used as a nutritional fortifier in food, but also as a food preservative to replace synthetic preservatives such as benzoic acid, and can also be used as a food colorant in ordinary drinks and foods, meeting people's general requirements for food additives to be natural, safe and healthy.
2. Proanthocyanidins: have strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, can effectively scavenge superoxide anion free radicals and hydroxyl free radicals, participate in the metabolism of phosphoric acid and arachidonic acid and protein phosphorylation, and protect lipids from peroxide damage; Is a powerful metal chelating agent, which can form inert compounds in the body; Protecting and stabilizing vitamin C is helpful to the absorption and utilization of vitamin C.
Third, the sources are different.
1. Anthocyanins are widely distributed in flowering plants (angiosperms), and their contents in plants vary greatly with varieties, seasons, climate and maturity.
2. Proanthocyanidins: found in skins, shells, seeds, cores, flowers and leaves of many plants.
Baidu encyclopedia-anthocyanin
Baidu Encyclopedia-Proanthocyanidins