Study on the Extraction and Stability of Red Pigment from Hawthorn

[Objective] The study aimed to discuss the extraction method and stability of red pigment from hawthorn. [Method] The absorbance values of red pigment from hawthorn under different wavelengths were determined by UV-754 UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the maximum absorption wavelength was confirmed. Then the absorbance values of different pigment solutions were determined by 721 Spectrophotometer under the maximum absorption wavelength. [Result] Flooding extraction was the optimum method of extracting red pigment from hawthorn, the color value and yield of the pigment eatracted by this mothod were higher than that by the other 2 methods. Its extraction time was short and its solvent dosage was relatively less. The red pigment from hawthorn had maximum absorption wavelength of 533 nm, upper limit of temperature of about 50 ℃ and good stability in acidic solution. The extract solution was more stable in room and more sensitive to sunlight. K+ had no significant influence on the pigment, Ca2+ had some increasing effect on the absorbance value of the pigment, but a few Fe3+ would make severe influence on the pigment. [Conclusion] With 0.1% chloride acid-95% ethanol as extractant, extracting red pigment from hawthorn by flooding extraction could enhance the color value and yield of the pigment.