<i>Celosia argentea</i> as a Sustainable Source of Natural Betalain Pigments: Current Research Status and Future Prospects

Betalains are natural bioactive pigments characterized by their nitrogen-containing structure, water solubility, and non-toxic properties, occurring naturally in various plant species across different families. Among these plants, Celosia argentea, a member of the Amaranthaceae family, has been identified as a particularly rich source of betalains, synthesizing and accumulating significant quantities of both red-purple betacyanins and yellow-orange betaxanthins. The value of betalains extends far beyond their role as brilliant natural colorants; these bioactive substances possess an impressive array of health-promoting properties that have attracted significant scientific interest, with research demonstrating that betalains exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside notable antimicrobial properties, while studies have revealed their anticancer, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic effects, as well as their ability to provide hepatoprotective and neuroprotective benefits. This diverse profile of biological activities has positioned betalains as valuable ingredients across multiple industries, with applications spanning food and beverages, where they serve as natural colorants and functional ingredients; textiles, where they provide sustainable dyeing alternatives; and the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, where their therapeutic properties can be harnessed for various health-promoting products. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the current research status regarding betalain production in C. argentea, exploring the biosynthetic pathways responsible for betalain formation, analyzing their diverse biological properties, discussing their wide-ranging applications across different industries, and offering perspectives on future research directions in this promising field.