COCHINEAL CARMINE
Carmine is a bright red, some purple, semi-dark, which is specific pigment namesake: either an aluminum salt of carminic acid (C22H20O13), less frequently, the kermesic acid.
In cosmetics, they are called "carmine" red, reddish pasta with the lipsticks and face powders are manufactured.
Cochineal carmine, or simply carmine is obtained from carminic acid produced by American mealybugs, mostly Dactylopius coccus species, which breed on the nopal or prickly pear (Opuntia cacti). It has been suggested although it is not certain that the cultivation of cochineal in Mesoamerica dates back to the Toltec period (X century). In Mexico, the Aztecs raised these insects to produce dyes and paints, as well as a currency to pay taxes and taxes. The preparation form of the dye was similar to that used to prepare carmine kermes: female insects are collected, is baked and then dried in the sun.
In the sixteenth century, the Spaniards began to export these mealybugs to Europe, leading to a fruitful trade between Mexico and Spain that would last 450 years. Upon arrival of the new 'grana' dye the Old Continent it was found that the carmine dye it produced was more beautiful, permanent and yielder than the kermes, which was allowing himself to use.
Although the Spaniards discovered cochineal in Mexico, dyeing scale insects of various species, including Dactylopius coccus, was detected in pre-Christian era in the region of Paracas in Peru tissues, so it was It proposed that the species may have been native to the Andean region, having been introduced in Mesoamerica and North America in ancient times.
The use of cochineal carmine continues today. Currently previously prepared by boiling dried and pulverized mealybugs in an ammonia or sodium carbonate solution so removing the carminic acid; Insolubles are removed by filtration, and the resulting solution is treated with alum to precipitate the dye.
This dye is used to give red or pink to numerous products (fabric dyes, medicines, foods, drinks, soaps, cosmetics) .13 In the food industry is designated with the number E120.16
In 1858, the German anatomist and pioneer of anatomical micrograph Joseph von Gerlach introduced as carmine dye staining neurons; for 1870 use had spread among his colleagues, 17 and still uses it for that purpose.
They have also given medicinal uses for cochineal, and certainly in American folk medicine has many uses, not only in Mexico, but also among the Quechua Perú.13
As the carmine is expensive, it is usually replaced with synthetic dyes.
