Presence of betalains in seedlings of Chenopodium quinoa Willd

Abstract

Betalain pigments were detected in Chenopodium quinoa Willd seedling. Absorption spectra and thin layer chromatography (TLC) showed similar results to those obtained with beet root (Beta vulgaris). Absorption spectra, between 350 and 700 nm, exhibits a maximum absorbance at 540 nm. Thin layer chromatography of pigments isolated from Ch. quinoa showed a similar Rf values that those obtained with beet root. However, HPLC results showed two peaks at difference that occurs in B. vulgaris. Growing of quinoa seedling in L-DOPA, a probable endogenous precursor of the betalain, demonstrated an increase of this red pigment. This increment was related to L-DOPA concentration. Results was discused in term of the value of quinoa as a new fountain of natural red dyes.