In humans, various health benefits have been linked to lutein, a significant carotenoid pigment. It can go about as a cell reinforcement, support eye wellbeing, and decrease chance of infections like coronary illness and disease. Marigold blossoms are one of the most extravagant regular wellsprings of lutein. Removing lutein from marigolds is a viable method for saddling the advantages of this phytonutrient. This blog entry will investigate strategies for lutein extraction from marigolds and key factors that influence the extraction cycle.
Introduction
Lutein is a yellow shade having a place with the carotenoid family and is tracked down richly in nature. In the human body, lutein aggregates in the eyes and skin where it goes about as a cell reinforcement and channels out destructive blue light. Research proposes lutein might assist with advancing eye wellbeing and lessen hazard old enough related macular degeneration, waterfalls, and other eye problems [1]. Concentrates likewise demonstrate lutein defensively affects the skin and could bring down hazard of cardiovascular sickness and certain diseases [2].
Marigold flowers have a lot of lutein in their petals, making them one of the most lutein-rich plants. Removing lutein from marigolds offers a characteristic plant-based wellspring of this helpful carotenoid that can be integrated into supplements, utilitarian food sources, creature feed, beauty care products, and drugs [3].
Overview of Lutein and Marigold Flowers
Lutein, unlike other carotenoids, is a xanthophyll pigment that contains oxygen. It retains blue light and acts as a prevention agent that safeguards cells from oxidative harm [4]. In addition to corn, eggs, and animal fats, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale naturally contain lutein.
However, marigold flowers are the most abundant source. The pigments are concentrated in the petals, which contain anywhere from 1 to 4 g of lutein per kg of dry marigold flower material [5]. The lutein content depends on the marigold species and cultivation conditions. Targeting marigolds for extraction can yield a lutein-rich oleoresin for commercial use.
Methods of Lutein Extraction
Various methods exist to extract lutein from marigold flowers. The most common include solvent extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and emerging methods like ultrasound-assisted extraction.
Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction has traditionally been the most popular method for commercial lutein production from marigolds. Organic solvents like hexane, ethanol, and acetone are used to leach the lutein from the flower petals [6].
Typically the marigold petals are dried and ground into a powder. The powder is mixed with the solvent, steeped for a period of time, then filtered and purified to isolate the lutein. Studies show hexane and ethanol mixtures can obtain over 90% recovery of lutein from marigold powder [7]. However, solvent use raises environmental concerns.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction
Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) uses supercritical fluids like carbon dioxide to extract target compounds. Carbon dioxide is heated and pressurized past its critical point, causing it to take on liquid-like properties while retaining lower viscosity and higher diffusivity compared to liquids.
SFE with carbon dioxide selectively extracts the lutein while leaving behind polar impurities. This allows very pure lutein oleoresin to be sustainably obtained. Research shows SFE results in higher yields and purer lutein compared to solvent extraction [8]. No toxic organic solvents are required.
Other Extraction Methods
Some alternatives to traditional solvent extraction are being explored, including:
- Enzyme-assisted extraction uses cellulase or pectinase enzymes to break down the plant material and release bound lutein [9].
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction uses ultrasonic waves to facilitate extraction. Studies show comparable or better lutein yields than solvent extraction [10].
- Microwave-assisted extraction applies microwave irradiation to rapidly heat marigold petals, rupturing cell walls to enable lutein release [11].
These methods may allow lower processing times, temperatures, and solvent usage. However, more research is needed to evaluate feasibility on a large scale.
Factors Affecting Lutein Extraction
The extraction conditions and protocol can significantly impact the amount of lutein successfully recovered from marigolds. Key factors include:
Flower Selection and Preparation
The marigold species and flower maturity influences lutein content. Flowers should be harvested when fully mature and optimally pigmented [12]. Gentle drying and grinding of the petals improves extraction efficiency.
Extraction Parameters
Solvent type, ratio, temperature, pressure, and extraction time must be optimized. Ethanol concentration between 60-80% and temperature under 60°C is ideal for solvent extraction [13]. Higher pressure and mild temperatures favor efficiency in SFE.
How Much Lutein is in Marigold Extract?
The raw plant material's lutein content and the efficiency of the extraction process both affect how much lutein is extracted from marigold extract powder. Oleoresin with 85-95% total carotenoids as lutein can be produced through well-optimized extractions from lutein-rich species [14]. This translates to lutein concentrations exceeding 100 mg per gram of marigold extract.
What is the Richest Source of Lutein?
While marigold flowers are very high in lutein, kale provides the richest dietary source. One cup of cooked kale contains over 20 mg lutein, compared to 3-5 mg in a serving of cooked corn or eggs [15]. However, when measuring lutein per gram of dry weight, marigolds tend to be richer than most other edible plants.
What are the Side Effects of Lutein from Marigold Extract?
Lutein from bulk marigold extract is generally well tolerated with very few side effects. In human studies, large doses up to 40 mg per day did not cause adverse reactions compared to placebo [16]. Since it is fat soluble, lutein is best absorbed when paired with a source of fat or oils. High supplemental doses may temporarily cause harmless yellowing of the skin. As with any supplement, it is best to start with low doses under the guidance of a doctor.
In summary, marigold flowers are an abundant natural source of lutein that can be harnessed through various extraction techniques. By optimizing extraction parameters and flower selection, high-quality lutein supplements and additives can be sustainably produced. Lutein from marigold extract offers a safe plant-based carotenoid with potential to support human health and wellness.
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References:
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[9] Zuorro A, Lavecchia R. Enzyme-assisted extraction of lycopene from tomato processing waste. Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 2013;52(6-7):319-325. doi:10.1016/j.enzmictec.2013.03.004
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[14] Delgado-Vargas F, Jiménez AR, Paredes-López O. Natural Pigments: Carotenoids, Anthocyanins, and Betalains—Characteristics, Biosynthesis, Processing, and Stability. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2000;40(3):173-289. doi:10.1080/10408690091189257
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[16] Huang LL, Coleman HR, Kim J, et al. Oral supplementation of lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in persons aged 60 years or older, with or without AMD. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49(9):3864-3869. doi:10.1167/iovs.08-1725