The earliest yellow colorant known to man is yellow ocher.
Ocher is not an isolated entity; rather, it is part of a broader category of vibrant earth-derived pigments, encompassing red ocher, purple ocher, sienna, and umber. Examples of ocher-based artwork can be traced back to cave depictions that are more than 17,000 years old, discovered in locations such as South Africa, Mongolia, China, and Mexico, among others.
These colorants facilitate the process of photosynthesis, as well as the growth and maturation of the plant. Among the provided alternatives, xanthophyll is characterized by its yellow hue and can be found in fruits such as papayas and peaches. Anthocyanin exhibits a red color, carotene has a yellowish-orange tint, while chlorophyll is distinguished by its green coloration.
What accounts for the color in fruits and veggies? The yellow hue originates from xanthophylls, which belong to the carotenoid family of plant chemicals. Two notable examples include lutein and zeaxanthin. Additionally, yellow vegetables serve as an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Anthocyanins are the primary pigments accountable for the yellow, red, purple, and blue hues displayed by numerous plants. They are sensitive to the acid-base equilibrium of foods, with alkaline substances tending to shift the color towards the blue end of the spectrum. Their chief role lies in serving as signaling agents in fruits and blossoms.
Beta-carotene, another type of pigment prevalent in the foliage of numerous plants, is also worth mentioning. It has the capability to absorb blue-green and blue wavelengths of light. Consequently, the light that bounces off beta-carotene exhibits a yellow hue.
A condition where the skin takes on a yellow hue, referred to as jaundice, arises from an excess of bilirubin present in the bloodstream. Bilirubin constitutes a yellow substance that emerges during the breakdown of red blood cells. An increase in bilirubin levels can stem from liver malfunction, bile duct blockage, hemolytic anemia, or various other health issues.
Arsenic encompasses various forms such as Orpigment, Realgar, and Conichalcite. Severe poisoning from it can result in fatality, while its gradual accumulation may have carcinogenic effects. In the case of Lead, it manifests in pigments like Naples Yellow, Lead White, Red Lead, Massicot, Zinc White (also known as white seal), Galena, Colored glass powder, and Lead Tin Yellow. The gradual buildup of lead can cause lead poisoning and impair neurological functions.
Tartrazine, alternatively referred to as Yellow 5, has been linked to alterations in behavior, encompassing irritability, agitation, moodiness, and disturbances in sleep patterns ( 10 ). Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of 15 studies conducted in 2004 determined that synthetic food colorants do elevate levels of hyperactivity among children ( 11 ).
On September 14th, 2017, it was reported that Staphylococcus aureus is capable of synthesizing the yellow pigment, staphyloxanthin 8, which functions as a shield against oxidative stress induced by hydroxyl radicals produced by the host's immune system.
Certain varieties of S. aureus have the ability to synthesize staphyloxanthin, a carotenoid pigment that exhibits a golden hue.