Violaxanthin is a xanthophyllpigment 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.
