A Study on the Development of Food Dye from Gardenia Fructus

치자(梔子)(Gardenia Fructus)를 이용(利用)한 식용색소(食用色素) 개발(開發)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究)

Crocin was extracted from Gardenia fructus in order to manufacture a natural food dye. In the extraction and purification process methanol and ethanol were used as the most Suitable solvent selected in preliminary test and 9.28%g/100g of Cretin product in 99.89% of purity was acquired. The lethal dose of Cretin administered in mouse by intra peridoneal was 5.36g/kg which is much lower toxic than any other. The toxic dose which caused diarrhoea in rat was 2.55g/kg and maximum no effect level was found to be 272mg/kg. From the $1%{\sim}2.5%$ content of Crocin in rat diet reduction of body weight appeared and GTP and GOT (Transaminase) value in creased significantly. Crocin showed a good properties of tolerating acid, alkali, sunlight, reductant, oxidant, and salt compared with tar dyes. The range from 100 ppm to 500ppm bring out bright $yellow{\sim}orange$ color, the most effective color, with a good solubility in water-slightly in oil. The acceptable daily intake of crocin was calculated as 2.72mg/kg based on maximum no effect dose (2% additive dose).