Carotenoid pigments in the fungus of Coltsfoot (Coleosporium tussilaginis)

Abstract

Investigations were carried out on the carotenoid pigments in the fruiting bodies of the parasitic fungus Coleosporium tussilaginis (Pers.) Kleb., harvested in autumn from the lower mide of the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.). The fructification of this fungus held only g-carotene and m-carotene. There were found no ranthophylls, epoxides; neither carboxyl nor carboxyl groups. The content of g-carotene was of 22 mg/100 g D.M. and that of b-carotene of 15 mg/100 g D.M. The content of both carotenoids was 10-12 times higher in camparison with their content in carrots. The fructification bodies of Coleosporium tussilaginis represents an important natural source of g- and b-carotene.

Keywords

• Coleosporium tussilaginis
• g- and b-carotene
• Tussilago farfara