A PROCESS FOR THE FORMATION, ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF COMESTIBLE XANTHOPHYLL CRYSTALS FROM PLANTS

摘要

A process for forming, isolating and purifying xanthophyll crystals, preferably lutein from marigold flower petals, zeaxanthin from wolfberries or capsanthin and capsorubin from red pepper, is disclosed. A xanthophyll diester-containing plant extract is saponified in a composition of propylene glycol and aqueous alkali to form xanthophyll crystals. Crystallization is achieved without the use of added organic solvents. The crystals are isolated and purified. The substantially pure xanthophyll crystals so obtained are suitable for human consumption and can be used as a nutritional supplement and as an additive in food.