Emerging new insights into significance and applications of Plant Pigments

Abstract

Plant pigments play an important role in plant identification, pollination and visual attraction in nature.  They make nature colourful and attractive.  Naturally occurring plant pigments include carotenoids, anthocyanins, betacyanins and chlorophyll. Apart from having colour, these pigments provide added properties, therefore they are also known as bioactive compounds. This property has increased the interest to add them to our diet.  Recent studies have indicated that they help to prevent chronic degenerative diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. These pigments possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities, improve visual and neurological health. Also, there are good perspectives for the inclusion of these plant pigments in other products like cosmetics and dyes.