DRAFT v2  ·  Expanded structure for review — product specifications shown are indicative and to be confirmed by CTA's technical team before publication
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Speciality Product

Marigold Lutein

Marigold-derived lutein for eye-health and natural-colour applications — supplied as esters, free lutein and purified crystal.

Tagetes erecta · Flower

Marigold Lutein

Lutein esters, free lutein and high-purity lutein crystal from marigold flowers.

Lutein is a carotenoid extracted from the petals of the marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) and one of the most important ingredients in the eye-health category. CTA processes marigold oleoresin into a graded family of lutein products.

Our process library covers the full route: isolation of lutein esters from marigold oleoresin, an ethanol-based isolation method, saponification to free lutein, and purification to an 80% lutein grade with a defined crystal specification. This allows CTA to supply either an ester grade for stability or a free-lutein grade for bioavailability, depending on the buyer's formulation.

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Grades

Available grades

CTA supplies Marigold across multiple grades. Custom specifications are developed against a documented buyer requirement.

Lutein esters
From marigold oleoresin
Free lutein
Saponified grade
80%
Purified lutein
Crystal
Defined crystal specification
Custom
Buyer-defined assay

Typical Specifications

Botanical sourceTagetes erecta L. — marigold flower / oleoresin
AppearanceOrange to dark-orange powder or crystalline solid
StandardisationEster, free-lutein and 80% purified grades
Test methodHPLC / UV
Co-carotenoidZeaxanthin present per natural ratio
Loss on dryingNot more than 5%
Heavy metalsConforms to USP / regulatory limits
MicrobiologyTPC ≤10,000 cfu/g; yeast & mould ≤500 cfu/g; E. coli & Salmonella absent
Pesticide residuesWithin IP / USP / EP limits
SolubilityOil-dispersible; beadlet/emulsion formats on request

All values are typical specifications and are confirmed batch-by-batch on the Certificate of Analysis. Custom specifications can be developed against a buyer's documented requirement. Values are indicative and to be confirmed by CTA's technical team before publication.

Our Process Depth

Why this is a CTA speciality

CTA's lutein programme is built on a documented isolation and purification route:

  • Lutein ester isolation from marigold oleoresin
  • Ethanol-method lutein isolation
  • Saponification to free lutein
  • Purification to an 80% lutein grade
  • Defined lutein crystal specification
  • Process-flow documentation for 80% lutein (PFD)

A documented process library is what separates a speciality product from a commodity — it makes grades reproducible and lets CTA develop a custom specification with confidence.

Benefits

Why formulators choose it

Statements describe traditional use and the role of the active in normal body function. They are structure–function statements and not claims to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Applications

Where it is used

Nutraceuticals

Eye-health and macular-support supplements; softgels, capsules and tablets.

Food & Beverage

Natural yellow-orange colour and carotenoid fortification.

Infant & senior nutrition

Lutein for vision-support fortified formats.

Functional blends

Carotenoid actives for antioxidant and vision blends.

Forms & Packing

How it ships

  • Powder and crystalline grades — ester, free lutein and 80%
  • Beadlet / emulsion formats on request
  • Packing — light-protected drums with double LDPE liner; sample and pilot quantities on request
Regulatory

Compliance

Lutein from marigold is permitted under FSSAI and is widely accepted internationally as a nutrient and as a natural colour. Grade documentation and dossiers are provided on enquiry.

Note: grades, marker percentages and regulatory status are indicative and to be confirmed by CTA's technical and regulatory team before publication.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Lutein esters are the naturally occurring form in marigold and are more stable in storage. Free lutein is produced by saponification and is formulated where bioavailability is the priority. CTA supplies both.

CTA produces ester and free-lutein grades and a purified 80% lutein grade with a defined crystal specification. Custom assays are developed on request.

Yes. CTA's lutein is extracted from marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers, supporting natural-source and clean-label positioning.

Related

Related speciality products

Request Marigold

Send the grade and quantity you need. CTA responds to qualified B2B enquiries, CoA and sample requests within two working days.