Violaxanthin Explained

Violaxanthin is a xanthophyll pigment with an orange color found in a variety of plants. Violaxanthin is the product of the epoxidation of zeaxanthin where the oxygen atoms are from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such ROS's arise when a plant is subject to solar radiation so intense that the light cannot all be absorbed by the chlorophyll.^[1]

Food coloring

Violaxanthin is used as a food coloring under the E number E161e and INS number 161e. The coloring is not approved for use in food in the EU^[2] or the United States, but is allowed in Australia and New Zealand.^[3]

Violaxanthin cycle

Violaxanthin is a participant in the violaxanthin cycle.

Notes and References

1. 10.1146/annurev-arplant-071720-015522. Dissipation of Light Energy Absorbed in Excess: The Molecular Mechanisms . 2021 . Bassi . Roberto . Dall'Osto . Luca . Annual Review of Plant Biology . 72 . 47–76 . 34143647 . 235480018 . free .
2. UK Food Standards Agency: Web site: Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers . 2011-10-27.
3. Australia New Zealand Food Standards CodeWeb site: Standard 1.2.4 - Labelling of ingredients . 8 September 2011 . 2011-10-27.