摘要：Many synthetic pigments are now banned or limited in application to the foods because the evidence related to the ability to cause cancer and other adverse impacts on the health. Therefore, the study of natural colorants to replace the synthetic colors mentioned above is a challenge for many food scientists in Vietnam and around the world. Cam is abundant in rural area in the North of Vietnam. Currently, Cam leaves have been used as a popular pigment in Vietnam to replace synthetic colors in the traditional foods. Many studies have also shown that the dyes extracted from Cam leaves exhibited clear and beautiful appearan ce and durability during prolonged storage. Furthermore, the safety when using pigment of Cam leaves has been proven through the long history of the use and through the study of acute toxicity. Extracts of Cam leaves contain a large amount of pelargonidin, zizilan, carotenoids, β-sitosterol. These compounds are asserted to cure the tuberculosis, eliminates phlegm, acute bronchitis, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, windpipe infection, hepatitis and diabetes. In order to reduce the cost of using these extracts on food application, many extraction techniques have been introduced to maximum the amount of pigments obtained to Cam leaves. Among of them, ultrasound and microwave are potential ones because of their lower cost and shortly consumed time.
