Extraction and analysis of phenolics in food

Phenolics are ubiquitous compounds found in all plants as their secondary metabolites. These include simple phenols, hydroxybenzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, coumarines and tannins, among others. The extraction of phenolics from source materials is the first step involved in their analysis. While chemical methods are used for determination of total content of phenolics, chromatographic and spectrometric analyses are employed for identification and quantification of individual compounds present. This paper provides a summary of background information and methodologies used for the analysis of phenolics in foods and nutraceuticals.