EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL PIGMENTS FROM PLANT MATERIALS

Abstract

Natural pigments are coloured compounds obtained from natural sources such as plants, microorganisms, and some animals. Plant pigments are particularly important because plants contain a diverse range of compounds capable of producing different colours.The major groups of plant pigments include chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, betalains, and several other phenolic compounds. Chlorophyll is mainly responsible for the green colour of leaves and is essential for photosynthesis. Carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and some red colours and are found in many fruits, vegetables, flowers, and leaves. Anthocyanins are responsible for a wide range of red, purple, violet, and blue colours, while betalains produce red-violet and yellow colours in certain plants.Natural pigments differ in their chemical structures and therefore show different physical and chemical properties. Some pigments are soluble in water, whereas others show greater solubility in organic solvents. Similarly, some pigments are relatively stable under particular environmental conditions, while others are highly sensitive to pH, temperature, light, or oxygen. The study of natural pigments is therefore important not only for understanding plant chemistry but also for exploring their possible applications. The recovery of pigments from plant materials can provide an approach for utilizing naturally occurring compounds that may otherwise remain underused.