Marigold Flower Extract Research Articles

Bio-controlling Effect of Leaf Extract of Tagetes patula L. (Marigold) on Growth Parameters and Diseases of Tomato.

The genus Tagetes (Asteraceae) is native to Americas but some of its members (in particular T. erecta and T. patula) commonly known as marigolds were naturalized in the old world (India, North Africa and Europe) as early as in 16th century. The flowers of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) are widely used in folk medicine, in particular for treating inflammation-related disorders. This study investigated the potential use of marigold (Tagetes patula L.) flower aqueous flower extract by spaying method on tomato plants on a weekly basis and the data of growth, yield and disease of tomato pants were observed from 10th day onwards under field condition. The marigold flower extract showed significant increase in shoot height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of buds, number of flowers and number of fruits of tomato plant, while significant reduction in various diseases of tomato plants over control at probability level ***p<0.001. The percentage of reduction of disease was calculated after the spray of marigold flower aqueous extract on plants. The marigold flower extract was found effectively in controlling canker (62.82%), early blight (61.53%), wilt (18.42%), fruit spot (27.41%), blossom end rot (50.43%) and sun scald (26.44%) in comparison to controls under field condition. The findings are in line with the bio-controlling properties of marigold preparations as bio-pesticide confirmed in growth and yield of tomato plants. Thus, marigold can contribute in reducing use of chemical pesticides and act as a good alternative to synthetic pesticides.

In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCalendula officinalis (pot marigold) flower extracts have a long-lasting tradition in ethnopharmacology. Currently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved its lipophilic and aqueous alcoholic extracts as traditional medicinal products for the treatment of minor inflammation of the skin and as an aid in the healing of minor wounds. Aim of the studyThe purpose of this study was to analyse the molecular mechanism of the wound healing effects of Calendula extracts, which may reflect the phytomedicines currently used in the market. Materials and methodsThe effect of three different extracts from Calendula flowers (n-hexanic, ethanolic, aqueous) on the inflammatory phase of wound healing was studied in human immortalized keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay on NF-κB-DNA binding, qRT-PCR and ELISA experiments were performed. The effect of Calendula extracts on the new tissue formation phase of wound healing was evaluated by studying the migratory properties of these extracts, triterpene mixtures and single compounds in human immortalized keratinocytes using the scratch assay. Finally, the effect of the extracts on the formation of granulation tissue in wound healing was studied using bacterial collagenase isolated from Clostridium histolyticum and the determination of soluble collagen in the supernatant of human dermal fibroblasts. ResultsThe n-hexanic and the ethanolic extracts from Calendula flowers influence the inflammatory phase by activating the transcription factor NF-κB and by increasing the amount of the chemokine IL-8, both at the transcriptional and protein level, in human immortalized keratinocytes. The migration of the keratinocytes during the new tissue formation phase was only marginally influenced in the scratch assay. However, it can be assumed that the granulation tissue was affected, as the ethanolic extract inhibited the activity of collagenase in vitro and enhanced the amount of collagen in the supernatant of human dermal fibroblasts. ConclusionsOur results contribute to a better understanding of the wound healing properties of the traditional medicinal plant Calendula officinalis. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate which of its known constituents are responsible for these effects. Triterpenes seem to play only a marginal role, but carotene and xanthophyll derivatives should garner more attention in future studies.

Effect of increasing doses of marigold (&lt;i&gt;Tagetes erecta&lt;/i&gt;) flower extract on eggs carotenoids content, colour and oxidative stability

Effect of increasing doses of marigold (&lt;i&gt;Tagetes erecta&lt;/i&gt;) flower extract on eggs carotenoids content, colour and oxidative stability

UHPLC-QTOF-MS as a valuable tool for the identification of novel faradiol fatty acid diesters of Calendula officinalis flowers

Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) flower extracts are recommended for the treatment of minor inflammation of the skin and wounds [1]. Triterpenes from the 20-taraxastene type, especially faradiol seem to be crucial for the anti-inflammatory potential [2, 3]. Besides monols triterpene diols and triols are present in the form of their C3 lauric, myristic and palmitic acid monoesters. Here we report on the isolation of a mixture of novel faradiol fatty acid diesters (20-taraxastene 3β,16β-diester). 1D and 2D NMR analysis revealed the triterpene skeleton and the esterification position. However, only after UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis the fatty acids could be identified and assigned to the respective triterpene. This method allowed identification of intact [M+H+]+ molecular ion peaks of faradioldimyristate (863.7354 m/z), faradioldipalmitate (919.8302 m/z) and faradiolmyristate, palmitate (891.7633 m/z). Moreover, this technique is also suitable for the separation and identification of the arnitriol A 3- and the lupane-3β,16β,20-triol 3-fatty acid monoesters which is here reported for Calendula officinalis L. flowers for the first time.

Increase in lutein and zeaxanthin content in the eggs of hens fed marigold flower extract

Marigold flower extract (MFE), a natural source of xanthophylls, was added to the diets of hens at different concentrations (0, 150, 250, and 350 mg/kg of diet) to determine the effects of MFE on hen per - formance, physical characteristics of egg quality, and carotenoid content of the egg yolk of hens housed in enriched cages. Additionally, the highest dose of MFE (350 mg/kg) was tested under commercial poultry condi - tions and compared with a feed mixture with added synthetic carotenoids and a control diet without synthetic carotenoids. The highest hen-day egg production ( P = 0.005) and egg mass production ( P = 0.010) was found in hens fed a diet supplemented with MFE at 150 mg/kg. The performance characteristics, however, were not influenced by MFE under commercial conditions. When the dose of MFE was increased, increased values were observed for DSM Yolk Colour Fan ( P < 0.001), redness ( < 0.001), yellowness ( P < 0.001), ratio of redness and yellowness ( P < 0.001), and decreased for lightness ( P = 0.036). In the commercial study, the synthetic carotenoids decreased the value of yellowness ( P < 0.001) compared with the control group. The lutein and zeaxanthin content in yolk increased by approximately 11.5 and 5.9 mg/kg dry matter, respectively, after the MFE addition of 350 mg/kg. Supplementation with synthetic carotenoids significantly ( P < 0.001) decreased the α-tocopherol content in egg yolk. In conclusion, MFE is a suitable natural alternative for increasing the xanthophyll contents in eggs compared with the commercially used synthetic carotenoids.

The Release of Carotenoids from a Light-Protected Antioxidant Active Packaging Designed to Improve the Stability of Soybean Oil

An antioxidant active packaging was developed by coextruding two layers of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Bags were made with the film in which the inner layer, designed to be in contact with food, contained marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) extract rich in carotenoids. The outer layer of the film was added with titanium dioxide (TiO2) to decrease the effect of commercial lighting on the degradation of carotenoids. Four bilayer films were produced: added with TiO2 and carotenoids, added with carotenoids, added with TiO2, and with no additives at all (control film). Degradation of color and astaxanthin in the films was delayed by the addition of the TiO2 when they were stored under commercial lighting at 25 °C. Bags made of these films produced an improvement on the soybean oil stability at 25 °C as a result of a synergic effect of light protection by TiO2 and carotenoids release. This release was measured as diffusion coefficients of carotenoids from the films toward soybean oil at 10, 25, and 40 °C (2.10–19.26 × 10−11 cm2 s−1) with activation energy of 53.66 kJ mol−1. In conclusion, the combination of the two layers of HDPE added with TiO2 and carotenoids introduced opacity and permitted to extend the active effect of the films in contact with soybean oil. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the diffusion of carotenoids showed that this new active packaging is able to exert its function in conditions of transport, storage, and commercialization of food.

Poly(lactic acid) film incorporated with marigold flower extract (Tagetes erecta) intended for fatty-food application

Bilayer functional film made of poly(lactic acid), PLA incorporated with 2 wt.% marigold flower extract containing astaxanthin (PLA2M) was fabricated by using a blown-extrusion process. The release of astaxanthin, a keto-carotenoid antioxidant, from the PLA-based film towards 95% ethanol (ETOH) was investigated at 30 and 40 °C. PLA and PLA2M that had been in contact with 95% ETOH at 30 and 40 °C were also investigated for their optical, thermal, structural, molecular weight and barrier properties. PLA2M showed approximately 21% reduction in its water vapor permeability (WVP) as compared to PLA (control bilayer functional film). No significant differences were observed between both PLA and PLA2M in terms of their thermal properties and O2 permeability. Molecular weight of PLA2M had a slight decreased than that of PLA after processing. A significant change was observed in the IR spectra of PLA2M especially for the carbonyl stretching (1749 cm−1), and –C–O–C aliphatic ester bending (1132 cm−1), which due to the structure of astaxanthin that consists of polyunsaturated alkenes and carbonyl group. Diffusion of astaxanthin from PLA films into 95% ETOH at 30 and 40 °C were 12.7 and 22.8 × 10−11 cm2/s, respectively. New crystal domains were formed for the samples exposed to 95% ETOH at 30 and 40 °C due to solvent induced crystallization, with higher temperature inducing larger crystallization. Pouches made of PLA2M were able to maintain the freshness of soybean oil at 30 °C, under light exposure to less than 5 days per guideline by the Codex Alimentarius (<10 milliequivalent/kg), and could be attributed to the slow release of astaxanthin.

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic solution by Tagetes erecta (Marigold flower) extract as a green inhibitor

The extract of Tagetes erecta (Marigold flower) [TEE] has been evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 0.5M H2SO4 solution by means of gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements. Tafel polarization studies reveal that TEE acts as an efficient mixed inhibitor. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the mild steel (MS) surface follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. The activation parameters governing adsorption show that the inhibitor is physically adsorbed. The results of quantum chemical calculation indicate high feasibility of adsorption of molecular and protonated Lutein, a major component of TEE.

Carotenoids of Therapeutic Significance from Marigold

Use of flowers and plants for worshipping, decoration and personal adornment is an integral part of Indian cultural heritage since pre-historic times. Marigold is a potential ornamental plant grown commercially in different parts of the world and obtained from different species of Tagetes of family Asteraceae. The essential oil from Tagetes erecta flowers has been used in high class perfumery and also acts as antihaemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic and emmenagogue. The oil is very valuable in aromatherapy for its powerful skin healing effects and also possesses fly repellant properties. Marigold varieties have pesticidal value as they destroy ground pests particularly nematodes. The genus is also recognized as a potential source of very interesting biologically active products viz. carotenoids that are currently being used as food colorants, nutritional supplements and poultry feed additives and in ophthalmology for the treatment of age related ocular diseases viz. cataract and dry age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Several species of the genus Tagetes find tremendous application as per the traditional database for the treatment of various ailments and diseases. Carotenoids from Tagetes species The extracts of Tagetes erecta were earlier reported to contain epoxides such as lutein 5, 6-epoxide and other oxidation products of lutein. Some preliminary studies during the same phase demonstrated the predominance of lutein and zeaxanthin (88-92%) out of 17 different separated pigments, while less than 3% were reported to be epoxy pigments [1]. The carotenoid composition of marigold extract product was analyzed later via HPLC whereby epoxides namely violaxanthin and neoxanthin were it should be reported [2]. The saponified Tagetes erecta flower extract was reported for 93% utilizable pigments (detected at 450 nm), consisting of all trans and cis-isomers of zeaxanthin (5%), all trans and cis-isomers of lutein, and lutein esters (88%). Among the lutein isomers, trans-lutein was reported as the major component with several cis-lutein isomers as minor components from the commercial marigold flower extract. The yield of xanthophyll content in well preserved flowers of Tagetes erecta was reported to be 105.19 g/kg in contrast to the unpreserved flower sample (58.87 g/kg), thereby emphasizing the significance of flower preservation during the extraction of xanthophylls (Figures 1 and 2) [3]. Purification of carotenoids

In vitro studies on the cytotoxicity, and elastase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flower extracts

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) has long been used as a medicinal herb for a number of therapeutic activities. In the present study, the cytotoxicities of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of marigold flowers and their inhibitory effects on elastase and tyrosinase enzymes were investigated. An MTT assay was performed to measure the cytotoxicity of these two extracts on the H460 lung cancer and the Caco-2 colon cancer cell lines. An elastase assay kit, based on the digestion of a non-fluorescent elastin substrate to highly fluorescent fragments by elastase, was used for the elastase inhibition assay. Tyrosinase inhibition activity was investigated using the dopachrome method with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) as a substrate. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that the extracts were nontoxic to H460 and Caco-2 cell lines. The elastase inhibition activities of ethanol (250 μg/ml) and ethyl acetate (125 μg/ml) extracts were found to be significantly higher than that of the negative control. The tyrosinase inhibition activities of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, in terms of the mean inhibition concentration (IC50), were 1,078 and 1,467 μg/ml, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the present study has demonstrated for the first time that marigold flower extracts possess tyrosinase inhibition activity. The activities of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of marigold flowers were investigated in vitro and indicated that these extracts possess useful properties that may be of interest for cosmetic development.

Botanical formulation and extracts based on plant leaves and flower, a substitute for toxic chemical and waxes for shelf life extension and quality retention of apple cv Starking Delicious in India

Pre-harvest treatments consisted of nimbecidine, neem azal, neem gold, with Bavistin, as control. The plant leaves/flowers used as coatings were neem leaf extract, drake leaf extract, spearmint leaf extract, marigold flower extract, and semperfresh. Neem, melia, mentha, walnut, banna, basooti, and camphor were used as cushioning materials in packages. Freshly harvested fruits were subjected to the above treatments and were kept under refrigerated storage (1±1°C) for analysis at a monthly interval up to 6 months. Nimbecidine (1.5%) was found better in reducing physiological loss in weight (PLW) and retaining fruit firmness, whereas, neem azal (2.0%) was found effective in retaining maximum total soluble solids (TSS) content, starch iodine rating and pectin content at the end of 6 months storage period. Among the treatments of extracts of plant leaves/flowers, fruits treated with 20% drake leaf extract proved to be most effective in reducing weight loss, whereas, maximum retention of firmness was recorded in fruits treated with 20% neem leaf extracts. Drake and neem leaf extracts also retained maximum TSS content. Minimum decrease in starch content maximum pectin content in the fruits and were recorded with 20% neem leaf extract. Leaf extract was highly effective in reducing spoilage as no spoilage was recorded under this treatment. Fruits cushioned with camphor leaves were superior over non-cushioned fruits in retaining most of quality characteristics. Key words: Neem (Azadirachta indica), plant extract, drake (Melia azedarach), spearmint, marigold, banna (Vitex negundu), basooti (Adhatoda vasica), camphor, apple.

Effect of dietary supplementation of marigold pigment on immunity, skin and meat color, and growth performance of broiler chickens

Marigold flower extract, a natural pigment, was used to determine its effect on carcass and skin pigmentation, immunity and growth performance of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups with six replicates in a randomized block design. Birds were fed basal diet for 42 d with or without supplementation of marigold flower extract at various concentrations, i.e., 0 (MG0, control), 100 (MG100), 150 (MG150) and 200 (MG200) mg/kg of feed, respectively. Feed intake and live body weight were weekly recorded. Carcass and shank color, and antibody titers against Newcastle and Influenza viruses were measured. Results showed that marigold flower extract significantly (p<0.05) improved live body weight and relative thymus weight. However, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and spleen and bursa weights were not significantly affected. Yellowness (b*) of breast and thigh muscles increased by the dietary supplementation of marigold flower extract compared with the control diet. However, lightness (L*), redness (a*) and redness to yellowness ratio (a/b) were not influenced by the treatments. Moreover, Roche color fan scores of the shank skin were increased at market age (d 42). The results revealed that marigold extract enhanced antibody titers against Newcastle and influenza viruses. It was possible to conclude that the dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract at the rate of 200 mg/kg of feed enhanced carcass and shank color, antibody titers against ND and AI, and growth performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of pre-cooling, fruit coating and packaging on postharvest quality of apple

Freshly harvested apple fruits cv.'Royal Delicious' were subjected to Surface coating with 1, 1.5, 2% neem oil (Azadirachta indica) and 10, 15, 20% marigold flower (Tagetes erectus) extracts with pre cooling on apple storage quality was tested. Then the fruits were analyzed for physicochemical and physiological characters such as loss in weight, fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) content, titratable acidity (TA), pH, reducing sugar contents, pectin, total anthocyanin, polygalacturonase (PG) activity and fruit spoilage. The results revealed that, the 1.5-2% concentration of neem oil as a surface coating along with pre-cooling was the most effective by retaining better physiochemical characteristics, in addition, significantly lowering disease incidence. Similarly, packaging of fruits with corrugated fiber board (CFB) boxes + paper mould trays, CFB + Polyethylene (PE) liners and shrink wrapped tray packing during storage (18-25°C and 65-75% RH), revealed that 2% neem oil surface coating with shrink wrap tray packing resulted the better retention of storage life and, whereas, the treatment effect on physico-chemical characteristics of fruits were significant (p < 0.05). However, the treatment effect was statistically at par with the marigold extract application with shrink wrapped tray packing in pre cooled fruits (10-15°C, 70-75% RH) during ambient storage (18-25° C, 65-75% RH).

Enhancement of Yolk Color in Raw and Boiled Egg Yolk with Lutein from Marigold Flower Meal and Marigold Flower Extract

The effects of non-saponified lutein from marigold flower meal (MFM) and saponified lutein from marigold flower extract (MFE) on chicken egg yolk coloration was evaluated. A total of 90 laying hens were randomly divided into 9 groups: the basal diet (0mg/kg lutein; control) was supplemented with 10, 20, 30, and 40mg/kg lutein from MFM or MFE. During the three-week feeding experiment period, birds had free access to feed and water, and feed consumption and egg production were recorded weekly. Five eggs per group were evaluated weekly for egg quality such as shell-breaking strength, shell thickness, shell ratio, albumen ratio, yolk ratio, yolk color, and Haugh units. The egg yolk color was visually examined using the Roche Yolk Color Fan. The egg yolk color was further examined for yolk color, yellow index, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), ratio of redness to yellowness (a/b), chroma, and spectrum wavelength reflectance using a spectrophotometer, an objective method. Feed consumption, body weight, egg production, egg mass, and egg quality with the exception of egg yolk color were not affected significantly by the dietary treatments. Compared with the yolk color parameters of the control, those of the dietary treatment groups tended to be higher; and the 40mg/kg lutein from MFM group and the 20, 30, and 40mg/kg lutein from MFE groups were significantly increased (P<0.001). In two-way ANOVA, the visual and objective egg yolk colors, a* and a/b were improved by both the dietary lutein treatment (P<0.05) and the lutein supplementation levels (P<0.001).It was concluded that dietary lutein enhances egg yolk color at levels of approximately 30 to 40mg/kg, and that saponified lutein from MFE appears to be more effective in egg yolk color than non-saponified lutein from MFM.

Effects on egg yolk colour of paprika or paprika combined with marigold flower extracts

COLOR-UP® and COLOR-UP YELLOW-S® were fed to a total of 144 twenty-five-week-old Charoen Pokphand brown laying hens to investigate whether yellow xanthophylls present in marigold flowers in combination with red xanthophylls from paprika fruit can further enhance egg yolk colour. The birds were randomly assigned to three groups: yellow corn basal diet control group (17.50 CP, 2750 kcal/kg ME); the 0.1% dietary paprika group; and the 0.1% dietary paprika plus 0.1% marigold group. Each group contained four replicates with 12 birds. Egg quality was recorded weekly from 25 to 28 weeks of age. Parameters did not show any difference except for egg yolk colour. Egg yolk colour scores were greater in the paprika group than in the control group (11.47 vs 8.64; P<0.05). Egg yolk colour scores of the paprika plus marigold group (12.17) were higher than those of the paprika group (P<0.05). Compared with the control, mean lightness value decreased in the paprika plus marigold group (P<0.05), suggesting a deep egg yolk colour in this group. Redness, yellowness and chroma were improved in both experimental groups (P<0.05). The spectral reflectance wavelength of egg yolk from the experimental groups increased between 600 and 700 nm, suggesting improved chroma. These results indicate that yellow xanthophylls from marigold flower extract (COLOR-UP YELLOWS®) in combination with red xanthophylls present in paprika (COLOR-UP®) can further enhance egg yolk colour and chroma.

Studies on the antioxidant and analgesic activities of Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers

Commercially available Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower extract (Af.Cr) was evaluated for the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo analgesic effect on acetic-acid-induced abdominal writhing. The results revealed the presence of pronounced antioxidant potential in Aztec marigold flowers and a dose-dependent (100 and 300 mg/kg) analgesic effect. The antioxidant and analgesic activities obtained seem to be in good accordance with the medicinal uses of Aztec marigold as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

EXTRACTION OF NATURAL DYES FROM AFRICAN MARIGOLD FLOWER (TAGETES EREECTA L) FOR TEXTILE COLORATION

Abstract African marigold [Tagetes erecta L.], a major source of carotenoids and Lutin, is grown as a cut flower and a garden flower, in addition to being grown for its medicinal values. Marigold flowers [Tagetes ], which are yellow to orange red in colour, are a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid pigment. Nowadays, Lutein is becoming an increasingly popular active ingredient used in the Food Industry and Textile coloration [3].This pigment has acquired greater significance because of its excellent colour value. Although marigold flower extract has been used in veterinary feeds, the potential use of marigold as a natural textile colorant has not been exploited to its full extent. This is due to the lack of information on its safety, stability, and compatibility in textile coloration. In this study, an experiment was conducted to study the use of an extract isolated from marigold as a natural dye. The dye potential of the extract was evaluated by dyeing [6], using the flower, in 100 % cotton and silk fabrics under normal dyeing conditions. Studies of the dyeability, wash fastness, light fastness, and colour hue were undertaken [8,9,10]. The, L,a and 'b' of materials dyed using the extract were studied with the use of Computer Colour Matching software [9,10]. The surface colour was not affected by washing, and the quality of the flower was maintained even washing at 60o C for 30 minutes. Studies have indicated that the change of some of the colors have been noticed after washing with soap [8]. Most of the metal salts exhibited the highest K/S values, due to their ability to form coordination complexes with the dye molecules [1,2]. These findings reveal that the extract of Marigold flower can be used for coloration of !00 % cotton, silk, and wool fabrics. This article deals with the chemistry, processing, and stability of the pigment and its applications in textile coloration.

Lutein in selected Canadian crops and agri-food processing by-products and purification by high-speed counter-current chromatography

This study mainly focused on lutein content in several selected crops grown in southern Ontario, Canada. Marigold flower, a good rotation crop for the control of nematodes in tobacco fields was found to contain 0.77% lutein (after saponification, on dry basis). A high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) method using a two-phase solvent system consisting of hexane-ethanol-water (6:4.5:1.5, v/v/v) was developed for the purification of lutein from the saponification mixture of marigold flower extract. The purity of lutein prepared using this HSCCC method was 97%. Free lutein was found to be the predominant form in three squash varieties, and it was mostly found in the peel rather than the commonly consumed flesh. Sweet Mamma, Buttercup and Pepper squash varieties contained 25.4, 18.4 and 30.1 mg/100 g fresh weigh (FW) of lutein in the peels, respectively. These concentrations were significantly higher than that in spinach and kale (3.7 and 12.3 mg/100 g FW). β-Carotene was found most in the peel of Sweet Mamma squash at 13.6 mg/100 g FW, whereas it was below 2 mg/100 g FW in all other samples. Cooking increased extractable free lutein by 22–65% in squash peels. Lutein in Yukon Gold potato was at ca. 0.4 mg/100 g FW. Certain Yukon Gold was also found to contain violaxanthin (0.35 mg/100 g FW). Structures of lutein, β-carotene and violaxanthin were identified by LC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS in positive ion mode, and by comparing the retention time and UV–vis spectral data with standards. Results from this study suggest the selected crops and agri-food industrial processing by-products of these can be a good source of free lutein.

Determination of total lipids and characterization of marigold flower extracts (Calendula officinalis)

Bioactive extracts from marigold flower are important ingredients for parapharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations. Their antiflogistic holeretic.antimicrobic, antidermatic and anticancer effects are due to the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, etheric oils, and terpenoids. This study presents the results of spectrophotometric investigation for the overall carotene content calculated as (3-caroten (442 nm), visual and physico-chemical characteristics according to Ph.Jug. V in oil extracts of marigold flower obtained by maceration (room temperature and 70?C) and percolation (room temperature) with olive oil and sunflower oil by original procedures.The largest content of (3-carotene (57.5 mg/kg of oil extracts) is in the oil extract obtained by maceration for 72 hours with olive oil (solvomodulus 1:5 m/m) at room temperature.

Natural Colorant from Marigold-Chemistry and Technology

Natural pigments offer an alternative to synthetic dyes, but for successful application, an understanding of the chemical and physical properties of the pigment is essential. With the growing legislative restrictions on the use of synthetic colors, a reappraisal of natural plant pigments is taking place with a view to use them as possible colorants in foods. For natural pigments to be accepted as food colorants, legal sanction is a must. With the application of new innovations, natural pigments can become more cost effective and increase their competitiveness against certified dye and dye products. Marigold flowers, which are yellow to orange red in color, are a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid pigment. This pigment has acquired greater significance because of its antioxidant property and for its eye health protection. Although marigold flower extract has been used in veterinary feeds, the potential use of marigold as a natural food colorant has not been exploited to the full extent due to the lack of information on its safety, stability, and compatibility in foods. This article deals with the chemistry, processing, and stability of the pigment and its applications.