Pigments analysis refers to the physiological and biochemical analysis of their components. The physiologically active components in natural pigments are a focus of interest. We offer pigments analysis service in order to promote the research of natural pigments and the development of special functional foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. We can provide color stability analysis, nutritional analysis, antioxidant capacity analysis and other physiological activity analysis of natural pigments to meet the different needs of our customers.
Natural Pigments Physiological Activities
Natural colors are obtained directly from materials of natural origin and therefore retain many of the components of the raw material. In addition to their basic coloring functions, many natural pigments also have certain nutritional elements and physiologically active functions, such as improving the immunity of the body, activating immune cells, and the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The physiological activities of the main types of natural pigments are described below.
- Quinone Pigments
Quinone pigments have antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer effects, and their antioxidant activity comes from the multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups of the structure. alkannin and curcumin are all quinones. These substances can induce the growth of tumor cells and can lead to the development of new anti-tumor drugs.
- Carotenoid Pigments
Carotenoids are functional antioxidants with physiological activity because of their polyolefin structure. This class of pigments contains carotenoid, lycopene, and astaxanthin, which can directly capture and scavenge free radicals, thereby preventing peroxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA by free radicals. Therefore, these pigments are considered to have cancer-preventive effects.
- Flavonoid Pigments
Flavonoid pigments are water-soluble phenolic substances. These pigments are capable of trapping lipid peroxidation radicals and superoxide in the inner membrane of organisms and can interrupt the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation in the body. One of these flavonoid pigments is anthocyanins, which are widely found in fruits and vegetables. Research has proven that anthocyanins are the most effective antioxidants and the most potent free radical scavengers found in humans today.
- Chlorophyll Pigments
Chlorophyll, a powerful antioxidant, is widely found in green leafy plants. It can scavenge free radicals and peroxides produced by radiation and reduce DNA damage. In addition, chlorophyll can substantially reduce the absorption and utilization of aflatoxin and reduce the carcinogenic effect of aflatoxin.
- Other Pigments
In addition to the more widespread pigments mentioned above, there are also some types of pigments that have pharmacological, health and other physiological activities. For example, betalain is a pyridine derivative that prevents the breakdown of heme at very low concentrations and significantly enhances its protective effect against lipids with the coordinated action of vitamins.
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