Method for preparing xanthophyll from calendula extract

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing xanthophyll from a calendula extract. The method comprises the following steps of: extracting the calendula extract through the backflow extraction method, filtering, absorbing and eluting the extract, and concentrating under reduced pressure and drying the eluent to obtain the xanthophyll product. The xanthophyll has the characteristics of easy acquirement of raw materials, low cost and environmental protection, and the demand of developing various xanthophyll drugs and health care products can be satisfied.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method for extracting lutein, in particular to a method for preparing lutein from calendula officinalis. Background technique [0002] 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, the separation and preparation of high-purity free lutein has become the subject of many researchers. Calendula flowers have high lutein content and are the main raw material for lutein production. The organic solvent extract of Calendula officinalis contains a large amount of lutein esters, which can be converted into free lutein after saponification, but the saponification products have high impurity content, and the lutein after direct saponification is still not suitable for ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0003] The method developed by patent CN 1436774A to prepare lutein crystals from marigolds is recrystallized with mixed solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and petroleum ether to obtain pure lutein. The extraction rate is below 60%. Not easy to recycle

[0004] 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;

[0005] U.S. Patent US 5648564 uses 45% alkali propylene glycol solution for saponification. Due to the high viscosity of propylene glycol, it also has the problem of difficult separation, and the propylene glycol in the waste liquid is extremely difficult to recycle and easily pollute the environment.