PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF LUTEIN, ZEAXANTHIN AND RARE CAROTENOIDS FROM MARIGOLD FLOWERS AND PLANTS

摘要

A process for extracting and isolating carotenoid esters or carotenoids in high purity from plants without the use of harmful organic solvents. Zeaxanthin esters were isolated and purified from the berries of Lycium Chinese Mill (LCM berries). The esters isolated according to the invention contain substantially no isomerized double bonds. The purified carotenoid esters or carotenoids isolated by this process are free from impurities and serve as a safe source of nutritional supplement for human consumption as well as providing a suitable and effective color additive for human foods.