The present invention relates to a process for obtaining stabilized Lutein
with about 95% yield from oleoresin at ambient temperature, said process
comprising steps of dissolving cleaned oleoresin in alcohol to obtain
dissolved Xanthophylls esters as clear solution on filtration, cleaning
dissolved oleoresin comprising xanthophylls esters in ion-exchange resin,
hydrolyzing the clear solution with base in presence of phase-transfer
catalyst in alcohol medium, quenching the hydrolyzed solution in water
maintaining acidic pH to obtain undissolved solids on filtration,
dissolving the solids in ester to obtain ester layer on filtration,
drying ester layer to obtain semi-solid residue, triturating the
semi-solid residue in alcohol whereby obtaining lutein crystals of about
65% assay and an alcoholic fraction, distilling the alcoholic fraction to
obtain non water-soluble fractions, and mixing the Lutein crystals with
non water-soluble fractions to obtain a stable Lutein paste.