Compound Monograph
Betacyanins
Betacyanins are the red-violet betalain pigments responsible for the color of beetroot, amaranth and red spinach.
Sources · 4
Where Does It Come From?
Betacyanins are naturally occurring betalain pigment, found in Red spinach, Beetroot, Prickly pear and 1 other source. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Betacyanins are the red-to-violet subclass of betalain pigments, the nitrogen-containing pigments that color beetroot, amaranth, red spinach and many cactus fruits. Betanin, the pigment of beetroot, is the best-known example. They are valued as natural food colorants and are studied for antioxidant activity, though most evidence comes from laboratory work.
Toxicity & Safety
Betacyanins are widely consumed dietary pigments and are regarded as safe at the levels found in food and used as colorings. A harmless effect known as beeturia, the passage of reddish urine after eating beetroot, occurs in some people and reflects pigment excretion rather than any toxicity.
