An improved method for large-scale isolation of a water-soluble safflor pigment from dyer's saffron flowers

Abstract

An improved method for large-scale isolation of a water-soluble safflor pigment was assessed. The pigment was separated from the alcoholic extract of the bright-yellow florets of dyer's saffron by fixing it with BD-cellulose in an acidic solution and purified through successive column chromatographies. Thus, a chromatographically pure sample obtained was analyzed for confirming the identity with an authentic safflor yellow B, then it was mixed separately with BN-, BND-, QAE- and ECTEOLA-cellulose in an acidic buffer solution, and the trapping capacity by the anion-exchange celluloses was compared. The arrested pigment was released by diluted methanol, ethanol and acetone, and its solubility rate could be elevated further by mixing formic acid or acetic acid into the liberation media. Data were evaluated in reference to practical utilization of the synonymous colouring matters as colour additives for processed foods or soft drinks.