Review on the properties and application of cochineal natural colorant in different industries

Cochineal is one of the most important natural dyes of animal origin obtained from the insect of the same name. Cochineal has a long history with numerous applications in different industries. Besides its use in dyeing of natural fibers used in the Iranian hand-knotted Carpet, it is widely used in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, etc., and thus, it is considered as a FDC (Food, Drug, Cosmetic) natural colorant. It is also used as a reagent for identification of different metals through the formation of dye-metal complexes showing fluorescent and luminescent properties. In this paper, physical and chemical properties of cochineal as a natural dye as well as its extensive application in different industries have been reviewed.