Evaluación de dos cucurbitáceas forrajeras (Cucurbita maxima y Cucurbita ecuadorensis) para la aclimatación de grana cochinilla (Dactylopius coccus) y aprovechamiento biotecnológico del ácido carmínico

Abstract

The insect Dactylopius coccus has been essential in the production of the natural dye known as carminic acid, which is recognized for its antioxidant properties a trait it shares with the cucurbit plants Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita ecuadorensis. This motivated their use as hosts for this species of cochineal. Currently, there is interest in natural alternatives to synthetic dyes, such as Red 40. The adaptation of D. coccus to the cucurbits presented significant challenges. The methodological approach began with placing D. coccus in small pots, followed by an adaptation phase to a larger space to evaluate the insect's acclimatization and reproduction capacity. The fruits of the cucurbits did not provide an ideal environment for the development of cochineal populations. C. maxima allowed brief feeding, while C. ecuadorensis showed high mortality, preventing sustained acclimatization and reproduction. Carminic acid was obtained through liquid-liquid extraction. The product obtained had a purity of 23.95% and an IC50 value of 4.05 µg/ml in antioxidant tests. Three cosmetics were formulated using carminic acid: blush, lip tint, and body soap. The blush showed a soft purple color, the lip tint a bright crimson, and the body soap displayed shades ranging from purple to pink. The products exhibited suitable characteristics in terms of color, texture, and stability. Thus, carminic acid presents itself as an alternative to synthetic dyes for use in cosmetics, even though it does not come from cucurbits.