Yellow Color Extraction from St. John’s Wort & Larkspur
Both St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) contain natural yellow pigments that can be extracted for use in dyes, cosmetics, or industrial applications.
Collection & Preparation
- Pigment Source: Flowers, buds, and leaves contain hypericin, flavonoids, and xanthones, contributing to yellow-orange hues.
- Harvesting Time: Best collected during peak bloom (mid-summer).
- Processing: Flowers are dried in shade to preserve pigment intensity before extraction.
- Pigment Source: Flowers contain flavonoids and carotenoids responsible for yellow coloring.
- Harvesting Time: Early morning when petals are fully open for maximum pigment concentration.
- Processing: Flowers are dried or fresh petals used directly in extraction.
Extraction Methods
- Water-Based Extraction (Traditional Method)
- Alcohol Extraction (For Stronger Pigments)
- Oil Infusion (For Cosmetic Use)
Filtration & Concentration
- Filtration: Plant residues are removed through cheesecloth or fine mesh filters.
Applications of Yellow Pigment
- Textile Dyeing: Produces yellow to golden hues, deepening with alum or iron mordants.
- Natural Paints & Inks: Water-based or oil-based formulations.
- Cosmetics: Skin tints, herbal oils, and natural pigment blends.
- Food Industry: Potential for natural food colorants (subject to regulatory approval).
Would you like a tailored process for an industrial setup?
