Method for extracting lutein from chlorella

The invention discloses a method for extracting lutein from chlorella. The method comprises the following steps: by using ethanol or an ethanol water solution as an extracting agent, extracting free lutein and esters thereof in chlorella powder by an ultrasonic process, and adding a potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide solution to carry out saponification; and after the reaction finishes, adding dichloromethane or trichloromethane into the reaction system to carry out extraction, centrifuging, washing with distilled water, and carrying out rotary evaporation to a dry state, thereby obtaining the lutein. After dissolving the lutein in methanol, an ultraviolet spectrometer and an HPLC (high performance liquid chromatograph) are utilized to detect that the extraction rate of the lutein is up to 3.02mg/g (dry weight of chlorella). The invention can be used for quickly and efficiently extracting lutein from chlorella, thereby providing technical support for industrialized production of lutein from chlorella.