Bixin and norbixin extracted from the seed phragma o f annatto tree (Bira orellana L.) are two major edible natural pigments health, safe, nutritional and the product market is good. 从红木(胭脂树)种子假种皮中提取的胭脂树橙、降胭脂树橙是重要的食用天然色素,具保健生理功能,安全营养,有较大市场。
Bixin is an apocarotenoid found in annatto, a natural food coloring obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). Annatto seeds contain about 5% pigments, which consist of 70-80% bixin.
Bixin is chemically unstable when isolated and converts via isomerization into trans-bixin (β-bixin), the double-bond isomer.