Study on Pigment Extraction from the Flower of Rhododendron L. and Its Stability

[Objective] The research aimed to further study and apply the natural pigment in Rhododendron L..[Method] Four kinds of Rhododendron L.with different color(white,pink,red and purple) were used as test material,the extraction methods of pigment were studied,the spectral characters and stability of all kinds of pigments were evaluated.[Results] The methanol solution with 1% HCl was the best for extracting Rhododendron L.pigments and the stability was good in this solution.The stability of pigments in Rhododendron L.was relatively stable under pH 0-3 condition.The pigments of Rhododendron L.could not be tolerance to high temperature,strong illumination and strong alkaline environment.[Conclusion] The methanol solution with 1% HCl has the best extraction effect.The pigments of Rhododendron L.were relatively stable at low temperature,low illumination and acid environment.