Carminic acid 是天然红色色素，是球虫染料家族中的一种。

Carminic acid, the well-known red dyestuff from cochineal insects (Dactylopius spp.), is a potent feeding deterrent to ants. Carminic acid is an antioxidant to protect erythrocytes and DNA against radical-induced oxidation, it also has antitumor activity.

Carminic acid, the well-known red dyestuff from cochineal insects (Dactylopius spp.), is a potent feeding deterrent to ants. This deterrency may be indicative of the natural function of the compound, which may have evolved in cochineals as a chemical weapon against predation. The behavior of an unusual predator is described-the carnivorous caterpillar of a pyralid moth (Laetilia coccidivora)-which is undeterred by Carminic acid and feeds on cochineals. CONCLUSIONS:The animal has the remarkable habit of utilizing the ingested Carminic acid for defensive purposes of its own.

1260-17-9

C22H20O13

492.39

DMSO:55 mg/ml (111.7 mM)
Powder: -20°C for 3 years
In solvent: -80°C for 2 years