LUTEIN from TAGETES ERECTA
New specifications prepared at the 63rd JECFA (2004) and published in FNP52 Add 12 (2004). A group ADI of 0 - 2 mg/kg bw for lutein from T. erecta and synthetic zeaxanthin was established at the 63rd JECFA (2004).
SYNONYMS Vegetable lutein; vegetable luteol; Bo-Xan (lutein)
DEFINITION Lutein from Tagetes erecta L. is a purified extract of xanthophylls obtained from marigold oleoresin. The oleoresin is prepared from
hexane extracts of marigold (Tagetes erecta L) flowers, saponified with potassium hydroxide in either methanol or propylene glycol. The resulting crystalline material contains lutein, and minor components including other carotenoids and waxes.
Chemical names 3R,3’R,6’R-β,ε-carotene-3,3'-diol; all-trans-lutein; 4’,5’-didehydro-5’,6’-dihydro-beta,beta-carotene-3,3’-diol (lutein)
C.A.S. number 127-40-2 (lutein)
Chemical formula C40H56O2 (lutein)
Formula weight 568.88 (lutein)
Assay Not less than 80 % total carotenoids, not less than 70 % lutein
DESCRIPTION A free-flowing, orange-red powder
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour, nutrient supplement
