Abstract: Lutein is dihydroxy-carotenoids with the ionone ring systems distributed widely in nature as well as the main component of the retina macular pigment in human eye. Lutein has potentially important commercial application in the area of physiologically active materials because it might prove to be protective against the development of age-related macular degeneration and cararact. Marigold(Tagetes erecta) is suitable material for the extraction and isolation of lutein in Industry. The researching progress in the lutein from marigold was reviewed in detail here, particularly in the novel extraction and analysis methods foridentity and quantity.

Key words: lutein, Tagetes erecta, extraction, analysis