Extraction of Natural Pigments from Mediterranean Flowers and Fruits: A Sustainable Approach to Plant-Based Colorants

Abstract

This study explores the sustainable extraction of natural pigments from Mediterranean plant sources, focusing on valorizing floral and fruit waste as renewable resources for eco-friendly colorants. A selection of species native to the Valencian Community, Rosa grandiflora, Helianthus annuus, Calendula officinalis, Rubus ulmifolius, Juglans regia, Solanum lycopersicum, Punica granatum, Prunus persica, and Cydonia oblonga, was investigated using various green extraction techniques. The efficiency of pigment recovery was evaluated under different solvent systems (ethanol, water, KOH, HCl, acetic acid, and acetone) and temperature conditions (freezing, boiling, and maceration). Results revealed that ethanol-based mixtures, particularly in combination with acidic or basic reagents, significantly enhanced pigment yield and chromatic intensity compared to aqueous systems. Elevated temperatures (70 °C) further intensified color saturation, while low-temperature extractions resulted in milder tones. Statistical analysis confirmed that reagent type and temperature synergistically influenced pigment extraction performance. These findings support the development of scalable, low-impact extraction processes to obtain natural colorants from agricultural residues, providing sustainable alternatives for the textile, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.