Beta-carotene enriched extract from water hyacinth eichhornia crassipes

摘要

The present invention provides a convenient and economical process for extraction and separation of β-carotene from water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae) comprising collecting mature plant of Eichhornia crassipes (5-7 months old, flowering), shade drying, grinding, soaking the powdered plant material in organic solvent to obtain the extract containing carotenoids along with other secondary metabolites which includes some of the value addition components. Enrichment of β-carotene is carried out by dissolving the extract in acetone followed by filtration, and wherein the β-carotene from filtrate is further purified to yield a β-carotene enriched extract.