State of carthamin in water and steam extracts of safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) petals

Abstract

The chemical structure and high polarity of carthamin, a red dye from Safflower, was reliably proven by numerous investigations using thin-layer and HPLC chromatography, HNMR, and C-NMR. At the same time, some reputable sources indicate a very low solubility of carthamin in water.The aim of this study was to identify the truth in this matter, to find out the cause of the discrepancies, to establish the relationship between the form of these dyes in aqueous media and their applicability in various food products.