OBTAINING OF CAROTENOID EXTRACT FROM LYCIUM CHINENSE AND CHARACTERIZATION USING SPECTOMETRICAL ANALYSIS

Carotenoids are known as photoprotection agents, defending the existing fotodestruction many biologically active substances in cells and tissues. Carotenoids are naturally pigments, with different colors like red, orange or yellow. Carotenoids are used as natural colorants for food and cosmetics. They are essential for plant growth and photosynthesis, and are a main dietary source of vitamin A in humans. They are thought to be associated with reduced risk of several chronic health disorders including some forms of cancer, heart disease and eye degeneration. In this study it is presented a method for obtaining a carotenoidic extract from goji berry. The obtained extract was caracterized using spectrometrical analysis (UV-VIS, TGA and HPLC).