title: Carotenoid composition of marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower extract used as nutritional supplement.
abstract: Commercially prepared marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) extract was saponified and analyzed for carotenoid composition. HPLC analyses were performed on two normal-phase columns (beta-Cyclobond and silica) and on a C(30) reversed-phase column. The extract contained 93% utilizable pigments (detected at 450 nm), consisting of all-trans and cis isomers of zeaxanthin (5%), all-trans and cis isomers of lutein, and lutein esters (88%). All were identified by chromatographic retention, UV-visible spectra, and positive ion electrospray mass spectrometry in comparison to authentic standards. Contrary to previous findings, insignificant levels (<0.3%) of lutein oxidation products were detected in the saponified extract. This compositional determination is important for the application of marigold extract in nutritional supplements and increases its value as a poultry feed colorant because it contains more biologically useful lutein compounds than previously believed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7624, USA. Quito, Ecua.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Hadden
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Regalado
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Rivadeneira
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: van Breemen
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005505:Food Coloring Agents; D006801:Humans; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D011200:Poultry
chemical_list: D005505:Food Coloring Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002338:Carotenoids