Spatial–Temporal Variation in Anthocyanidins in Novel Purple Corn (Zea mays L., cv Jizi-01)

Purple corn is an anthocyanidin-rich plant, with anthocyanidins being particularly abundant in the waste it produces. This study explored the variation in anthocyanidins in each part of the plant during the growth period of a novel type of purple corn (Zea mays L., cv Jizi-01). The results showed that vacuum freeze-drying had advantages over cabinet drying in protecting anthocyanidins, except in the cornsilk part. The anthocyanidin contents of the different plant parts varied with time. Purple corn cob anthocyanidins (PCCAs) were isolated and identified owing to their abundance (14.95 g/kg, dry basis (DB)) among all plant parts. PCCA comprises three anthocyanidins, namely cyanidin, pelargonidin and peonidin, forming 11 types of anthocyanins when combined with glycosidic bonds. Finally, the in vitro scavenging effects of PCCA on DPPH, ABTS·+ and ·OH radicals were evaluated, and the scavenging rates reached up to 89.92%, 96.95% and 90.76%. This study shows that purple corn (Zm Jizi-01) is a novel resource rich in anthocyanidins, with high economic potential.