Extraction optimisation, purification and major antioxidant component of red pigments extracted from Camellia japonica

► We got the optimised extraction conditions of red pigments (RP) from Camellia japonica. ► The resin LX-68 was appropriate for purifying the pigments from C. japonica. ► The red pigments showed high DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. ► Following activity-oriented separation, (−)-epicatechin was isolated as an active principle.