Carminic Acid

Red monoclinic prisms from aqueous methanol

Dark, purplish-brown mass or bright-red powder

Deep red color in water; yellow to violet in acid solutions

less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

Soluble in alcohol, concentrated sulfuric acid; slightly soluble in ether; practically insoluble in petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform

In water, 1.30 g/L (1.30X10+3 mg/L) at 25 °C

Decomposes at 277 °F (NTP, 1992)

136 °C (decomposes)

No distinct melting point; darkens at 120 °C

Carminic acid appears as dark purplish-brown mass or bright red or dark red powder. Darkens at 248 °F. Deep red color in water. Yellow to violet in acidic aqueous solutions. (NTP, 1992)

Red to dark red, friable, solid or powder. Cochineal extract is generally a dark red liquid but can also be dried as a powder.

Dark purplish-brown or bright red solid; [Hawley] Deep violet fine crystals; [MSDSonline]

217.8 Ų [M+Na]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID9022817]；208.9 Ų [M-H]- [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI-; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID9022817]；209.1 Ų [M+H]+ [CCS Type: DT; Buffer gas: N2; Ionization: ESI+; Dataset: TOXCAST; Source Identifier: DTXSID9022817]

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 98.9% (89 of 90) of all reports.

Not Classified；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 89 of 90 companies (only 1.1% companies provided GHS information). For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Aggregated GHS information provided per 90 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 89 of 90 reports by companies.；There is 1 notification provided by 1 of 90 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).；Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Chemical: 2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid, 7-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-

Carminic acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising its requirements for cochineal extract and carmine by requiring their declaration by name on the label of all food and cosmetic products that contain these color additives. This final rule responds to reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to cochineal extract- containing food and carmine-containing food and cosmetics and will allow consumers who are allergic to these color additives to identify and thus avoid products that contain these color additives. This action also responds to a citizen petition submitted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.；SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.；INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.；INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.；STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should store this material at ambient temperatures. (NTP, 1992)

SRP: Criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 440(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that carminic acid is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa values of carminic acid are 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(3), indicate that this compound will almost entirely exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the acid exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize(SRC). Carminic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(5). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2010).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 440(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that carminic acid is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). The pKa values of 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(3) indicate carminic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 0.97(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2010).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), carminic acid, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase carminic acid may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Carminic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3), and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC); its UV absorption maxima is approximately 500 nm in water(4) and primary aliphatic alcohols(5).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of carminic acid can be estimated to be 440(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that carminic acid is expected to have moderate mobility in soil. The pKa values of carminic acid are 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(3), indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in anion form the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... The occurrence of positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions to mites was studied in 6,464 patients: 3,164 were tested with carmine and 2,837 with shrimp. Carmine ingestion-associated symptoms were registered at the time of testing. Patients with positive SPT to carmine received a follow-up questionnaire on their symptoms 1-5 years later. RESULTS: Positive SPT reactions to carmine were seen in 94 patients (3.0%) of whom 74% also had positive SPT reactions to mites and 22% to shrimp. Carmine ingestion-associated symptoms were not dependent on concurrent mite reactivity in 39/94 (42%) patients... /Carmine/

/CASE REPORTS/ ... A 42-year-old non-atopic male presented with a 5-year history of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma on occupational exposure to food additive dusts. Symptoms increased after work. The patient had been exposed for more than 20 years. ... Skin prick tests were performed with a battery of common inhalant allergens and spices. Cochineal, carmine lake and additive mixes used by the patient were extracted and subsequently used for skin prick test, bronchial provocation and in vitro measurements (specific IgE, Western blot and chromatographic fractionation). ... Prick tests were positive to carmine and carmine-containing additives; carmine-specific IgE and bronchial challenge tests were also positive (PC20 = 0.0004 mg/mL and 1.6 kU/L). Western blot showed IgE binding to bands of about 30 kDa on cochineal extract and a diffuse pattern at 40-97 kDa on carmine. This result was confirmed by gel filtration chromatography and dot blot. Carmine completely inhibited IgE binding to cochineal extract... /Carmine/

/CASE REPORTS/ ... A 33-year-old female ... recurrently exhibited urticaria accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and dyspnea after taking red-colored food. From her history, ... cochineal dye /was suspected/ to be the cause of her symptoms. Oral provocation test using cochineal dye-stained red-colored boiled-fish-paste induced urticaria and respiratory symptoms. Furthermore the prick tests and the scratch tests with cochineal dye and carminic acid, the major ingredient of cochineal dye, were also positive. These results indicate that type 1 allergy to cochineal dye caused urticaria in this patient. Thereafter, she avoided the foods containing a cochineal dye and showed a complete clinical remission... /Cochineal dye/

/CASE REPORTS/ ... A woman with documented carmine hypersensitivity ... reported anaphylaxis 90 minutes after ingestion of a generic azithromycin. ... Investigations revealed that this was an allergy to the carmine dye in the tablet's coating rather than to the antibiotic. ... Patients with a carmine hypersensitivity should actively check with their pharmacy or prescribing physician to verify their medications are free of this offending agent. /Carmine/

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Carminic acid (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

An estimated BCF of 3.2 was calculated in fish for carminic acid(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.97(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The pKa values of 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(1) indicate carminic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the acid exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize(SRC). Carminic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Cochineal (C), a scarlet material extracted from the powdered pregnant insect, Dactylopius Coceus Costa, is used as a color food additive in the form of aluminum lakes. A 13 week subchronic toxicity study was conducted to investigate the effects of simultaneous administration of C and aluminum potassium sulfate (A). Male and female Wistar rats (5-weeks-old, 15 rats/group) were given diets containing 0.75%A and 0.75%C (1.5%AC), 1.5%A and 1.5%C (3%AC), 3%C alone or 3%A alone. The following results were obtained. 1) No toxic symptoms or death occurred in any treated group. Body weight gain in male rats of the 3%A group decreased significantly. 2) Serum levels of phospholipids, triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol in male rats and TG in female rats fed 3%C, 3%A or 3%AC were significantly decreased at the 13th week. The serum level of glutamate dehydrogenase (GIDH) in male rats treated with 1.5% or 3%AC was increased at the 4th week but no difference from control was observed at the 13th week. 3) No histopathological changes attributable to A and/or C administration were observed. In this 13-week oral toxicity study, no dose-dependent synergistic effects of simultaneous administration of C and A were found except for an increase in serum GIDH. /Cochineal/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Carmine was fed continuously to groups of 54 males and 54 females at dietary levels providing 50, 150 or 500 mg/kg body weight/day for up to 109 wk. As a control, groups of 90 males and 90 females were fed the basal diet for the same period. The rats were derived from parents fed the same dietary levels for 60 days before mating and throughout pregnancy and were thus potentially exposed in utero. There were no adverse effects upon survival, growth or intakes of food and water. No changes associated with treatment were found during the periodic measurement of hematology or renal function, or in the serum chemistry or organ weights at the end of the study. Tumor incidence was not affected, and variations in the distribution of the non-tumor pathology were not considered to be due to treatment. It was concluded that carmine administered to rats in utero and for up to 109 wk is not carcinogenic and that the no-untoward-effect level is 500 mg carmine/kg body weight/day. /Carmine/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ The carcinogenicity of cochineal, a red coloring used in food and other products, was studied in a 2-yr bioassay in B6C3F1 mice. Groups of 50-55 mice of each sex were given 0, 3 or 6% cochineal in the diet for 2 yr. Mice of all groups developed tumours including hepatocellular adenomas or carcinomas, pulmonary adenomas or adenocarcinomas and lymphomas or lymphatic leukaemias, and the incidences of these tumours were not significantly different in treated and control groups. The results indicate that cochineal lacks carcinogenicity in mice and are consistent with those of in vitro short-term assays of cochineal and of carminic acid, an active principle of cochineal. /Cochineal/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Chronic Exposure or Carcinogenicity/ Injections of 0.5% carminic acid and lactic acid (2.8%) in distilled water into transplanted sc tumors of jensen rats inhibited tumor growth in 68% of rats. After 2-3 wk tumors eliminated through skin.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Carminic acid (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Carminic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(1). Carminic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(1), and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Carminic acid's UV absorption maxima in water is 500 nm(2); in primary aliphatic alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol) the absorption maxima was measured as 496 nm(3).

Occupational exposure to carminic acid may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where carminic acid is produced or used. Use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to carminic acid via ingestion of food and beverages containing carminic acid dyes, and dermal contact with cosmetic products containing carminic acid. (SRC)

Carminic acid's production and use as a colorant in cosmetics, and as pigments and stains in photography and chemistry applications may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Carminic acid occurs as a glycoside in the body of the cochineal insect, Coccus cacti, of the order Homoptera. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates carminic acid will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Particulate-phase carminic acid will be removed from the atmosphere by wet or dry deposition. Carminic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm, and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight; its UV absorption maxima is approximately 500 nm in water and primary aliphatic alcohols. If released to soil, carminic acid is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 440. The pKa values of carminic acid are 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10, indicating that this compound will almost entirely exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the acid exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize. If released into water, carminic acid is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Biodegradation data were not available. The pKa values indicates carminic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3.2 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to carminic acid may occur through dermal contact

Chemical: 2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid, 7-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-

Carminic acid: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising its requirements for cochineal extract and carmine by requiring their declaration by name on the label of all food and cosmetic products that contain these color additives. This final rule responds to reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, to cochineal extract- containing food and carmine-containing food and cosmetics and will allow consumers who are allergic to these color additives to identify and thus avoid products that contain these color additives. This action also responds to a citizen petition submitted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

The food coloring carminic acid redox cycles to produce free radicals. These radicals, in the presence of trace amounts of iron salts, readily damage membrane lipid and degrade the carbohydrate deoxyribose. Damage to membrane lipid appears to involve mainly organic oxygen radicals such as alkoxy and peroxy radicals, whereas that to deoxyribose implicates the hydroxyl radical formed in a Fenton-type reaction. Antioxidants and iron chelators prevent such damage.

The antitumor agent carminic acid did not bind to DNA but nicked it slowly, more rapidly when reduced in situ, & still more when prereduced at the quinone moiety.

Natural or synthetic dyes used as coloring agents in processed foods.

Chemicals and substances that impart color including soluble dyes and insoluble pigments. They are used in INKS; PAINTS; and as INDICATORS AND REAGENTS.

Extracted from the insects Coccus cacti (cochineal); [Hawley] Used as a free acid in color photography, a pigment for artists' paints, a bacteriological stain, a reagent for aluminum, a complexing agent for cations, a dye, and rarely now as an acid-base indicator or oxidimetric indicator; [HSDB]

Photographic Processing [Category: Other]

Painting [Category: Hobbies]

Free acid in color photography; pigment for artists' paints; as bacteriological stain; reagent for aluminum; rarely now as acid-base indicator or oxidimetric indicator; complexing agent for cations

Colorant used in cosmetics

Coloring proprietary medicines; pigment for fine oil colors; indicators in analytical chemistry

Information on 77 consumer products that contain Carmine in the following categories is provided:；• Personal Care

Information on 2 consumer products that contain C.I. 75470 in the following categories is provided:；• Personal Care

Food additives

Cosmetics -> Cosmetic colorant

2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid, 7-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-: ACTIVE

Carmine is normally 50% or more carminic acid

There has...been...confusion regarding differentiation between /carmine, carminic acid & cochineal/... Cochineal is red coloring material consisting of dried bodies of female insect coccus cacti. ... Active coloring matter is carminic acid... Carmine is aluminum lake of carminic acid...