Violaxanthin is an epoxidized carotenoid of plant origin with strong antioxidant activity and gives many vegetables their purple color and generates Neoxanthin, another carotenoid.

Violaxanthin is a natural pigment belonging to the carotenoid class. It is found in many plants and algae, where it plays an important role in protection against sunlight damage and oxidative stress. It is responsible for some of the yellow and orange hues in vegetables. Violaxanthin is also known for its antioxidant properties and is being studied for its potential health benefits.

Raw materials used in production:

Plant Sources. Violaxanthin is extracted from plant sources such as green leaves, yellow and orange peppers, and certain varieties of flowers and fruits.

Solvents and Reagents. Used to extract and purify violaxanthin from plant sources.

Industrial Chemical Production of Violaxanthin

• Extraction. Violaxanthin is extracted from plant sources using appropriate solvents. This process typically involves the use of organic solvents to extract the pigment from plant cells.
• Purification. After extraction, violaxanthin is purified to remove impurities and concentrate the pigment.
• Quality Control and Packaging. Once purified, violaxanthin undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in dietary supplements and as a food coloring.

Commercial applications:

Food Industry. Used as a natural colorant in various food products, violaxanthin is a yellow pigment found in many plants and vegetables.

Dietary Supplements. May be included in supplements for its antioxidant properties and to contribute to eye health.

Antioxidant Properties. As a carotenoid, violaxanthin has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage.

Scientific Research. Studied for its potential role in preventing chronic diseases, including eye disorders like macular degeneration.

Safety. Generally considered safe as a food additive and supplement, but it's always advisable to adhere to recommended dosages.

Studies

In this study on carotenoids, a list of fruits and vegetables and the percentages contained (1).

Violaxanthin by violaxanthin de-epoxidase catalyzes the conversion of violaxanthin to zeaxanthin (2).

It is labeled as E161e on the European color food additives list.

Violaxanthin studies

Molecular Formula: C₄₀H₅₆O₄

Molecular Weight: 600.884 g/mol

UNII: 51C926029A

CAS: 126-29-4

PubChem Substance ID 329757838

Beilstein Registry Number 101269

Synonyms:

• Zeaxanthin diepoxide
• all-trans-Violaxanthin
• trans-Violaxanthin
• 5,6:5',6'-Diepoxy-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydro-|A-carotene-3,3'-diol
• 5,6,5',6'-diepoxy-5,6,5',6'-tetrahydro-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol
• 5,6:5',6'-Diepoxy-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydro-beta-carotene-3,3'-diol
• (3S,5R,6S,3'S,5'R,6'S)-5,6,5',6'-DIEPOXY-5,6,5',6'- TETRAHYDRO-BETA,BETA-CAROTENE-3,3'-DIOL
• (3S,3'S,5R,5'R,6S,6'S)-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydro-5,6:5',6'-diepoxy-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol
• XAT
• Zeaxanthin diepoxidl
• (9Z)-Violaxanthin
• 13-cis-Violaxanthin
• all-trans-Violaxanthil
• (1R,3S,6S)-6-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(1R,3S,6S)-3-hydroxy-1,5,5-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-6-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-1,5,5-trimethyl-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-3-ol
• (3S,3'S,5R,5'R, 6S,6'S)-5,6:5',6'-Diepoxy-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydro-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol
• (3S,3'S,5R,5'R,6S,6'S)-5,6:5',6'-diepoxy-5,5',6,6'-tetrahydro-beta,beta-carotene-3,3'-diol
• (3S,5R,6S,3'S,5'R,6'S)-5,6,5',6'-DIEPOXY-5,6,5',6'-TETRAHYDRO-BETA,BETA-CAROTENE-3,3'-DIOL