Method for preparing high-content xanthophyll crystal from Calendula officinalis extract

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing high-content lutein crystal with a pot marigold extract, wherein, the pot marigold extract is firstly dissolved in an alkaline alcohol solution, and then an antioxidant and inert gas shielding are added for carrying out a saponification reaction. The pot marigold extract is changed into lutein in a free state, and the lutein is diluted with deionized water and washed till the pH value of the lutein is 6.5 to 7.0. The lutein goes through vacuum drying to obtain a crude product of the lutein. The crude product is recrystallized by a non-polar or weak-polar organic solvent, and centrifugally filtered, cooled and dried to obtain a product with purity of more than 98 percent. The method has simple production technology, small toxic amount of the solvents, less consumption and easy recovery as well as easy realization of industrialized production. The product can be applied to the fields of food colorants, food additives, pharmaceutical health products and the like in a safe and efficient manner.

Description

(1) Technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method for preparing high-content lutein crystals from calendula officinalis extract. (2) Background technology [0002] Carotenoids are natural pigments that widely exist in nature. So far, more than 700 kinds of carotenoids have been discovered and purified. Lutein is a kind of carotenoids. It has been found that lutein mainly includes the following Aspects of functions: ① Use its coloring property as feed and food additives; ② As a stabilizer for other substances; ③ Prevent macular degeneration in the elderly; ④ Anti-cancer effects; ⑤ Prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. [0003] Lutein is a major carotenoid in green leafy vegetables and other plants. There are two forms of lutein in plants, free form and lutein ester; free lutein can be directly absorbed and utilized by the human body, while Lutein esters must be hydrolyzed into free lutein in the body before they can be absorbed. Therefore,...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] The method (CN1436774A) for preparing lutein crystals from marigolds developed by Zhejiang Haining Fengming Co., Ltd., the method uses tetrahydrofuran, petroleum ether and other mixed solvents to recrystallize to obtain pure lutein, the extraction rate is below 60%, and the saponification reaction time is relatively short. Long, complex process, high cost, and difficult solvent recovery

[0005] U.S. Patent US 5382714, the amount of organic solvent used in saponification is large, the separation of lutein is difficult, the product content is low, and toxic solvents are used for recrystallization, which is not conducive to the application of products in food and pharmaceutical varieties;

[0006] U.S. Patent US 5648564 uses 45% alkali propylene glycol solution for saponification. Due to the high viscosity of propylene glycol, there is also the problem of difficult separation, and the propylene glycol in the waste liquid is extremely difficult to recycle and easily pollute the environment;