Marigold Extract - Tagetes Erecta Derived Lutein, Natural Carotenoid Antioxidant For Food Coloring And Pest Deterrence

Marigold Extract is a genus of 52 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae). They are native to the area stretching from the southwestern United States into Mexico and south throughout South America, but naturalize now in many countries including China, particularly the species Tagetes erecta. Tagets erecta has pinnate green leaves, and yellow floral heads typically 4-6cm diameter. The foliage has a musky, pungent scent. It is said to deter some common insect pests, as well as nematodes. Tagetes are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant, pepper and potato."Marigold" is derived from "Mary's Gold", and the plant is associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian stories. Tagetes is not to be confused with the genus Calendula and other species also called marigold in some areas. The petals of Tagetes are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and as such extracts of T. erecta are used as a food colour (INS-Number E161b). Lutein, from Latin luteus meaning "yellow", is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, lutein is employed by organisms as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption. Lutein is present in the plant as fatty-acid ester, with one or two fatty acids bound to the two hydroxyl-groups.