Abstract:

Physical-chemical properties and extraction protocol of the flower pigments of Camellia azalea Wei were studied in this article. The results showed that the best extraction conditions of the flower pigments were 20％ ethanol solution at 30 ℃ for 1 h with the solid-liquid ratio 1 ∶5. Light and reduced stability of the flower pigments. The pigments were stable with in lower pH,but the color changed at weak acid level which closing to neutrality. The pigments had less resistance capability against oxidizing or reducing agents and they were sensitive to chelating agents and or sodium beneoate. Glucose and sucrose almost had no effects on the pigments, but table salt, citric acid or vitamin C had hyperchromic effect. Metal ions of Co²⁺,Cu²⁺,Mg²⁺,Ca²⁺,Zn²⁺,Mn²⁺,K⁺,Al³⁺,Sn²⁺ also had hyperchromic effect, but Fe²⁺,Fe³⁺,Pb²⁺ reduced the stability of the pigment.

Key words: Camellia azalea, flower pigment, extraction, physica-chemical property