PRODUCTION OF ASTAXANTHIN (3,3'-DIHYDROXY-BB-CAROTENE-4,4'-DIONE) FROM PLANTS OF THE GENUS ADONIS HAVING AT LEAST TEN PETALS PER FLOWER HEAD; PINK OR RED PIGMENT FOR FISH

摘要

A novel strain of Adonis aestivalis having an average of 18-22 petals per flower head and containing an average of 200-350 mu g of astaxanthin pigment per flower head is cultivated, harvested and extracted to provide a source of natural astaxanthin. The extracted astaxanthin, or the harvested astaxanthin-containing plant material, can be used for example in salmonid fish diets to promote correct flesh pigmentation of the fish.