Carthamus Red is obtained from the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. To obtain carthamus red, carthamus yellow is extracted from the petals with water and the residue treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide or other alkali. Carthamus red is precipitated from the extract by addition of acid, separated by filtration and dried. The principal colouring matter is carthamin
Chemical formula C43H42O22
Assay Not less than 80% total colouring matters on a volatile matter-free basis
Description Dark red to red-brown powder with a characteristic slight odour
Funtion use Colour