Obtención de un colorante natural de las semillas de Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae) como alternativa para uso cosmético.

The study was conducted to obtain a natural dye from Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae) seeds as an alternative for cosmetic use by the method of aqueous alkali. The methodology consisted of two phases: In the first phase, we determined the greater efficiency of the extraction process with regard to the amount of seed/solvent volume, solvent concentration, stirring time, pH and temperature of drying; while in the second phase, the organoleptic and physicochemical controls of the dye obtained from seeds of B. orellana L. were conducted. The results show that the parameters of most efficiency in the extraction process were: 1:3 in the relation amount of seed/solvent volume, 2% potassium hydroxide in the concentration of solvent, 60 minutes in stirring time, and 58 °C as the optimal temperature. The organoleptic characteristics of the dye powder obtained were: orange and brick red colors at concentrations of 0.5% and 2% w/v respectively, metallic odor, smooth texture and appearance of fine powder. With regard to the physicochemical characteristics, we observed that the B. orellana L. dye precipitated at pH 2 to 2.5, and obtained the highest yield at pH 2.25. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]