Progress on the Extraction, Separation, Biological Activity, and Delivery of Natural Plant Pigments

Molecules. 2023 Jul 12;28(14):5364. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145364.

Abstract

Natural plant pigments are safe and have low toxicity, with various nutrients and biological activities. However, the extraction, preservation, and application of pigments are limited due to the instability of natural pigments. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the extraction and application processes of natural plant pigments in detail. This review discusses the classification, extraction methods, biological activities, and modification methods that could improve the stability of various pigments from plants, providing a reference for applying natural plant pigments in the industry and the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: biological activity; chemical classification; extraction method; modification method; plant pigment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Pigments, Biological* / chemistry
  • Pigments, Biological* / isolation & purification
  • Plants* / chemistry

Substances

  • Pigments, Biological