Isolation and partial purification of carthamine: an instrumentation manual

Abstract

Crude carthamine was obtainable through alkaline extraction, acidification, and cellulose adsorption. It was purified by column chromatography on Avicel cellulose and Toyo Pearl HW-40f. Using these techniques, the dye was purified up to about 3.5-fold at a final yield of 28.4% (mg carthamine·g dry flower−1: 5.22→1.48). On the basis of the experimental model data, an instruction manual for isolation and purification of carthamine is presented in order to standarize the bio-dye preparation at an economically pertinent cost.