Abstract
In this research, a novel source of phytopigment crocins from fully open mature flowers of cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) is introduced. Methanol and deionized water were appropriate solvents for pigment recovery with maximum yields of at least 17% from the floral tissue. Pigment separation by thin layer chromatography also confirmed the presence of the carotenoids, which dissolved well in these high-strength polar solvents, in fruit, flower, and leaf materials. The spectral patterns of the extracts from ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance showed maximum absorption at ~420 nm and the chemical shift values were similar to those of crocetin aglycones (crocins) in the methanol extracts of a commercial source of yellow gardenia (fructus or fruit of Gardenia florida). Chemical compositions were then evaluated using aqueous-phase capillary electrophoresis of the methanol extracts. The methanolic extracts of the flowers and fruit had 11 principal ingredients in common. Among these, crocetin and crocin 2 belong to the crocin group and are known to be the major components of commercial yellow Gardenia. This research not only demonstrates a sustainable means of raw material utilization for natural product recovery, but also encourages a movement toward an edible landscape for the community.