Thermal kinetic degradation of anthocyanins in a roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. cv. 'Criollo') infusion

The degradation kinetics of anthocyanins in a Roselle infusion (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as assessed by visible absorption spectroscopy (absorbance at 520 nm), was verified (60-100 degrees C). The rate constants for absorbance retention were obtained from first-order reaction kinetic plots. Based on an Arrhenius-type model, the experimental data showed an energy of activation of 15.83 kcal mol(-1) (66.22 kJ mol(-1)) and a Q(10) value of 1.01. The obtained pattern allows to predict the retention of these antioxidant compounds as a function of temperature and time of thermal treatment.