A process for isolation, purification, and recrystallization of lutein from saponified marigold oleoresin and uses thereof

摘要

A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin through use of a series of filtrations and water/alcohol washes to obtain crude lutein crystals. The crystals are dissolved in a halogenated organic solvent in which lutein is strongly soluble and then a second organic solvent in which lutein is only partially soluble. Upon cooling of the mixture lutein is recrystallized in a high purity and then filtered and dried under vacuum. The lutein crystals are of the formula: Lutein in pure form may be used as an analytical standard, as a nutritional supplement for use as an antioxidant and an agent that may prevent cancer, heart disease, and eye disease such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, and as a color additive in human foods.