Comparison of Extraction Methods of Carthamin from Safflower Pulp

Carthamin, a red pigment obtained from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) pulp, is widely used in food colorants, dyes and medicines. This study was carried out to obtain red pigments in various forms by extraction and purification from industrial waste of safflower pulp. Green solvents, organic solvents and acidic/alkaline solvents were used for the extraction of carthamin from safflower pulp. pH adjustments during extraction were optimized using citric, lactic, and acetic acids, and the optimal concentration of 3% citric acid was determined for efficient extraction without deformation of the adsorbents. These extracts were adsorbed with various adsorbents and eluted according to the usage area. Among the adsorbents, cellulose has proven to be the most versatile and reusable. The structure of carthamin was elucidated with UV-Vis, FTIR and SEM. Carthamin was obtained in 5 different forms as powder, aqueous solution, green solvent solution, organic solution and adsorbed onto filler. After purification, carthamin in solution forms was detected using UV-Vis spectroscopy with a peak at 520 nm and the highest yield as 0.58% (5.78 mg carthamin /g dry plant) was obtained in the cellulose-adsorbed form. The fact that carthamin is obtained in different forms occupies an important place in the industry.