Extraction of antioxidant pigments from dye sorghum leaf sheaths

► Extraction of antioxidant pigments from dye sorghum leaf sheaths was optimized. ► Highest yield was obtained at 50 °C and an ethanol concentration of 51 mL 100 mL−1. ► Addition of HCl to the solvent improved the pigments yield. ► The crude extract from dye sorghum leaf sheaths showed high antioxidant capacity.