What Is Paprika Red / Capsanthin Oleoresin & Powder (E160c), Feed Pigmenter? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Capsanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment present in ripe red pepper fruits. Its chemical name is 3,3-dihydroxy-β,κ-caroten-6‘-one, with molecular formula C40H56O3, molecular weight 584.87, and CAS number 465–42–9. Capsanthin is the most important red coloring component of paprika red and is the primary natural pigment responsible for the bright red color of pepper fruits. Paprika red is not a single substance but a collective term for the pigments contained in paprika. Its main coloring substances are capsanthin (approximately 50%) and capsorubin (approximately 8.3%), both belonging to the carotenoid class, accounting for 50%-60% of paprika red by mass. In addition, paprika red also contains yellow components with lower polarity, mainly β-carotene (approximately 13.9%) and zeaxanthin (approximately 14%), both of which have vitamin A activity. It also contains cryptocapsin (approximately 5.5%), capsanthin, violaxanthin, and other components. Capsanthin has been certified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Class A edible natural pigment, one of the safest natural pigments, and can be used without limitation in food manufacturing. Capsanthin products are available in various forms, including dark red viscous oily liquids, pastes, needle-like crystals or crystalline powders. Depending on purity, solvent type, and application scenarios, they can be classified into oil-soluble, water-soluble (through special processing), supercritical extraction, powder, and custom products. High-purity capsanthin (purity ≥99%), as a premium variety of natural red pigments, has extensive application value in food coloring, pharmaceutical excipients, cosmetic raw materials, and feed additives.

Capsanthin has various physiological activities, mainly including coloring, antioxidant, health functions, and certain medicinal applications.

Capsanthin is a globally recognized safe, non-toxic natural red pigment. It has strong coloring power, bright and vivid color, and its hue ranges from light yellow to orange-red depending on dilution concentration. It has good heat resistance (almost no fading after heating at 160°C for 2 hours, basically no change in color at oil temperature of 200°C), good acid resistance, and good emulsifying dispersibility. It can be widely used in coloring various foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.