Extraction conditions and physico-chemical properties of red pigment from Hippeastrum vittatums

Physico-chemical properties and extraction conditions of the red pigment in flowers of Hippeastrum vittatums were studied.The results showed that the highest yield of the pigment was obtained from 95% C_2H_5OH solution with pH 1.0.The red pigment from Hippeastrum vittatums is classified to anthocyanins.It can be dissolved in water and acidity ethanol.The solution pH has significant effect on the tone of the pigment.The pigment was stabilities in the conditions of acid environment and heat.Degradation of the pigment could be accelerated by sunlight.The ions of Na~+,Ca~(2+),Zn~(2+),A1~(3+),and Cu~(2+) had no effect on the tone of pigment,but the ions of Fe~(3+) and Pb~(2+) had severe disadvantageous effect.This kind of pigment possesses better anti-oxidation ability.Addition of glucose and sucrose had no effect on the tone of the pigment.