Bioactive Carotenoids Research Articles

Comparison of major carotenoid composition in palm fruits (Arecaceae): An analysis of oil palm fruits and the colored exocarp fruits of four palm species.

The oil palm, a widely studied species of palm, is a crucial source of edible oil and pro-vitamin A carotenoids, primarily α- and β-carotene. The diverse peel and pulp colors (yellow-orange-red) of various palm fruits suggest the presence of not only pro-vitamin A carotenoids but also other bioactive carotenoids like lutein and lycopene, which offer additional health benefits. This study aimed to identify and quantify the major carotenoids in fruits with colored exocarps of four varieties of palm species belonging to different genera and compare them to those in oil palm fruit to evaluate their bioactive potential for human health. High-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used for chromatographic and spectrometric analyses using non-saponified samples, except for lutein estimation, revealing four major carotenoids: α- and β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, which together accounted for more than 50% of the total carotenoid content. Among the five palm fruits tested (MacArthur, Manila, mountain date, foxtail, and oil palms), foxtail palm exhibited the highest concentration of major carotenoids at 500µg/g dry weight (d.w.), with β-carotene comprising 69% of this total, followed by MacArthur palm (235µg/g d.w.), whereas mountain date palm had the lowest concentration of major carotenoids at 135µg/g d.w. These findings suggest that colored palm fruits are significant sources of both pro-vitamin A carotenoids and other beneficial carotenoids like lycopene and lutein. The method of sample preparation, particularly the inclusion or omission of a saponification process, plays a critical role in the recovery and accurate quantification of carotenoid concentrations due to their varying susceptibility to this process.

Beneficial Effects of Astaxanthin on Health: A Natural Bioactive Carotenoid

Beneficial Effects of Astaxanthin on Health: A Natural Bioactive Carotenoid

An updated procedure for zeaxanthin and lutein quantification in corn grains based only in water and ethanol.

Corn grains are a major source of both the bioactive carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein. Current methods to quantify these substances have some disadvantages related to sustainability and sample throughput. This work aimed to develop a green, efficient, rapid, and reproducible analytical method to quantify these xanthophylls in corn grains. Solvents recommended by the CHEM21 solvent selection guide were screened. The extraction by dynamic maceration and separation by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography were optimized by design of experiments. Then, the entire analytical procedure was validated and compared with procedures used for the same purpose, including an official one, and applied to different corn samples. The proposed method was demonstrated to be greener, equal to or more efficient, faster, and more reproducible than the comparative methods. The extraction step could be scaled up for industrial production of zeaxanthin- and lutein-enriched extracts, as it uses only compatible food grade ethanol and water.

Comparative Analysis of Lutein Content in Leaves and Fruit of Lycium barbarum: Implications for Medicinal Applications


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Herbal medicine stands as a pivotal realm of contemporary research, offering substantial benefits with minimal side effects. Lycium barbarum, recognized for its abundant bioactive compounds, holds promise in treating various ailments, particularly in antiaging and antioxidative capacities. Carotenoids, notably lutein and zeaxanthin, constitute key bioactive compounds with diverse functions in both plant physiology and human health, including photo protection against intense light and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. This study meticulously examines the lutein content within leaves and fruit of L. barbarum, employing a uniform extraction method and solvent. The investigation illuminates significant variations in lutein content between the leaves and fruit, shedding light on potential applications in herbal medicine and nutraceuticals.
 Highlight:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Herbal Medicine Advancements: This study underscores the pivotal role of herbal medicine in contemporary research, emphasizing its potential for providing substantial benefits with minimal side effects.
 
 
 Lycium barbarum's Therapeutic Potential: The research highlights Lycium barbarum's significance due to its rich array of bioactive compounds, particularly in addressing antiaging and antioxidative requirements.
 
 
 Bioactive Carotenoids in Focus: The study delves into the functions of essential bioactive compounds, lutein and zeaxanthin, elucidating their roles in plant physiology and human health, including their photoprotective and detoxifying properties.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Keyword: Herbal Medicine, Lycium Barbarum, Bioactive Compounds, Carotenoids, Lutein Content
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Effect of Fertilization on Expression of Bioactive Carotenoid and Chlorophyll Pigments in Clinacanthus nutans Lindau for Potential Use as Functional Natural Colourants

This research aimed to investigate the different effects of fertilization (through the use of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer) on carotenoid composition as well as the chlorophyll content in Clinacanthus nutans Lindau. A field study employing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted on four treatment groups; control plants that were not supplied with any fertilizer (NF), plants supplemented with NPK chemical fertilizer (FC), plants supplemented with vermicompost (FV), and plants supplied with the mixture of chemical fertilizer and vermicompost (FM). Vermicompost application was shown to have insignificant effects on the expression of chlorophyll and carotenoid in C. nutans as compared to chemical fertilizer. However, the supplementation of vermicompost (FV and FM) produced plants with greater stability of compounds during storage, in contrast to NF and FC. The major carotenoids in C. nutans methanolic extracts supplied with vermicompost and organic fertilizers were identified as violaxanthin, lutein, α-Carotene and β-Carotene, while control plants lacked in α-Carotene and β-Carotene. This analysis provides a better insight into the application of vermicompost as an alternative source of growth supplements for the sustainable production of pigments which can act as a functional natural colourant and deliver great medicinal benefits to humans.

Composition of Bioactive Carotenoid, Flavonoid, and Terpene compounds in Selected Fruits: A Mini Review

Bioactive substances are secondary metabolites that are produced by plants to protect their body; yet, such substances are able to control metabolic functions and have beneficial effects on the human body. Vitamins, minerals, phenolics, antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and micronutrients and fiber appear to be responsible for beneficial health effects such as curing diabetics, cardiac ailments, etc. Fruit-extracted/isolated bioactive components are considered to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities, according to research data from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. As a result, fruits have the potential to be turned into medications and functional foods that may be used to avoid or alleviate a variety of chronic issues. The nutritional and phytochemical composition of fruits is determined by their maturation level, variety, environmental conditions, agricultural practices, and post-harvest handling and processing. This review aims to describe the importance of different fruits as a significant source of phytocompounds, which are being studied in clinical trials to create drugs for curing various human ailments, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiac, and cancer conditions. The vast and varied wealth of fruits may yet include undiscovered and extremely strong bioactive chemicals, which require more investigation.

Astaxanthin- Enriched Fraction from the Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis Mitigates Kidney Injury via Modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 and MAPK/ERK Pathways in Rats

Acute kidney injury is a complication of using gentamicin in high doses and is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Astaxanthin, the red xanthophyll carotenoid pigment, has an antioxidant power higher than 100 times that of vitamin E and 10 times more than that of β-carotene, making it one of the strongest bioactive carotenoids. Haematococcus pluvialis, Haematococcaceae, microalga produces high amounts of astaxanthin in the form of astaxanthin esters besides adequate amounts of free astaxanthin. We attempted to explore the potential therapeutic effects of astaxanthin- and astaxanthin ester–enriched fractions from H. pluvialis against acute kidney injury induced by gentamicin and their mechanisms of action in rats. Adult male Wister albino rats were injected with gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for seven consecutive days to induce acute kidney injury, and these rats were treated daily with astaxanthin ester–enriched fractions (30 mg/kg; p.o.) for 14 days. LC/ESI–MS analysis revealed the presence of different isomers of free astaxanthin, astaxanthin monoesters, and astaxanthin diesters in the astaxanthin- and astaxanthin ester–enriched fractions. Astaxanthin and its esters ameliorated kidney dysfunction, modulated nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/Kelch-like erythroid associated protein 1/hypoxia-inducible factor-alpha, and suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases/renin-angiotensin system expression. Astaxanthin and its ester improved early acute kidney injury via modulation of the Nrf2/Keap1 antioxidant defense pathway and MAPK/ERK signaling cascade.Graphical

Food-grade bioactive ingredient obtained from the Durvillaea incurvata brown seaweed: Antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity

Natural antioxidants have been extracted and identified from different types of marine seaweeds for developing new food-grade functional ingredients and drugs. In this study, a food-grade bioactive ingredient (FGBI) containing functional bioactive carotenoids was obtained from Durvillaea incurvata (D. incurvata) brown edible seaweed, which was subjected to an alternative postharvest drying process (sunlight radiation protection) to preserve the fucoxanthin content. Moreover, FGBI was prepared from the part of the structure of seaweed where the fucoxanthin is mainly concentrated (external structure of the D. incurvata). The nutritional value of D. incurvata was evaluated and the major macronutrients contained in the brown seaweed were the dietary fiber (56.9 g/100 g, dry weight), ash (20.9 g/100 g, dry weight), and protein (8.30 g/100 g, dry weight). In addition, its heavy metal content is in the safe range to be consumed. Regarding the antibacterial activity of the FGBI-extract (dried ethanolic extract from FGBI), the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were evidenced for Staphylococcus aureus (0.06 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (0.1 mg/mL), and Enterococcus feacalis (0.5 mg/mL). The DPPH radical scavenging activity was dependent on the FGBI-extract concentration and the effective concentration for 50 % scavenging (EC50) was 6.1 μg/mL. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) for FBGI-extract was 957.7 ± 78.8 μmol of Trolox equivalent/g dry sample. Moreover, the FGBI-extract ameliorated the oxidative stress in vivo and extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans used as a model organism in this study. Consequently, D. incurvata has great potential to be considered a source of nutraceutical compounds.

Crocin ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis in rat induced by peritoneal dialysis via Wnt5a/β-Catenin pathway

Peritoneal dialysis is used in the treatment of patients with kidney diseases. Long-term peritoneal dialysis could result in peritoneal fibrosis and recurrent peritonitis, thus leading to failure of ultrafiltration. Crocin is a bioactive carotenoid and isolated from stigma of Crocus sativus, and ameliorates pulmonary and myocardial fibrosis. The role of crocin in peritoneal fibrosis was assessed. Firstly, rats model with peritoneal dialysis was treated with 4.25% peritoneal dialysate. Results showed that injection with peritoneal dialysate induced obvious hyperplasia and increased thickness in peritoneum structure. Rats with peritoneal dialysis were injected with increasing concentrations of crocin at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Crocin ameliorated the pathological changes in the peritoneum of peritoneal dialysate-induced rats. Secondly, crocin attenuated peritoneal dialysate-induced decrease of E-cadherin, increase of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I. Moreover, crocin enhanced ultrafiltration volume and reduced glucose transport in rats model with peritoneal dialysis. Thirdly, crocin also reduced levels of Interleukin (IL)-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF –α), and IL-6 in peritoneal tissues of rats model with peritoneal dialysis. Lastly, protein expression of Wnt5a and β-Catenin in rats model with peritoneal dialysis were also downregulated by crocin. In conclusion, crocin exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on rats model with peritoneal dialysis through inactivation of Wnt5a/β-Catenin pathway.

Crocin suppresses inflammation-induced apoptosis in rmTBI mouse model via modulation of Nrf2 transcriptional activity

BackgroundRepetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) has been considered a serious health issue. Crocin, a bioactive carotenoid in Crocus sativus (saffron) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective role of crocin in a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI) mouse model and thus fits the pharmacological scope of pharmanutrition. MethodsBalb c mice were divided into four groups, sham, crocin sham, TBI and crocin TBI. Injured groups received seven multiple closed brain injuries. Treated groups were injected with crocin (30 mg/kg) 30 min before each hit. Brain cortices were extracted 24 h post the last injury for molecular analysis. Brain cytokine levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured using ELISA. Also, using RT-PCR, the expression levels of the following genes, Bcl-2, caspase3, Bax, P53, NF-κB, Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 were assessed. ResultsThere was a significant increase in the level of the inflammatory cytokine Il-6. Crocin administration induced a decrease in IL-6 accompanied with elevation in the anti-apoptotic cytokine IL-10. Crocin induced a decrease in the gene expression of the apoptotic factors caspase3, Bax and P53 in injured mice and enhanced the mRNA levels of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Also, crocin enhanced the gene expression levels of transcription factor Nrf2 and the antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1 whereas reduced the expression of NF-κB. ConclusionCrocin exerted its neuroprotective effect following rmTBI. Crocin proves to play a prospect role in conferring protection against concussions.

Assessment of in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in a model milk-mandarine beverage.

Mandarine juice is one of the richest sources of β-cryptoxanthin and flavonoids, which have been positively associated with bone mineral density. Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid compounds with a complex absorption process that can be affected by different factors. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of the food matrix on the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds in a model milk-mandarine beverage (MMB). MMBs were formulated with mandarine juice and different dairy products to achieve three fat levels (0.2%, 1.7% and 3.2%) and three calcium levels (120, 310 and 500 mg Ca2+ per 100 ml). The bioaccessibility was evaluated using a harmonised in vitro digestion method. The results showed that the content of milk fat increased the bioaccessibility in vitro of phenolic compounds (p < 0.05), while a moderate fat level (1.7%) resulted in the highest bioaccessibility for bioactive carotenoids. On the other hand, calcium fortification at the highest level (500 mg Ca2+ per 100 mL) decreased the bioaccessibility of bioactive carotenoids from 76% to 43% (66% for the major β-cryptoxanthin) compared to the lower calcium fortification level (120 mg Ca2+ per 100 mL). The bioaccessibility of hesperidin, the main flavanone in mandarine juice, was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the MMB with the highest calcium level. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids and phenolic compounds is affected by fat and calcium levels. When formulating functional beverages, the impact of the formulation should be carefully considered to optimize the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds.

Strigolactone signaling complex formation in yeast: A paradigm for studying hormone-induced receptor interaction with multiple downstream proteins.

Strigolactones (SLs) are bioactive carotenoid derivatives which function as signaling molecules to regulate plant architecture, nutrient absorption and communication with other organisms. The α/β-fold hydrolase, D14, hydrolyzes SLs, and the hydrolysis product activates D14 to bind to downstream signaling partners, including an E3 ubiquitin ligase MAX2 and SMXL6/7/8 proteins. What was not known was whether binding with one downstream partner would alter the affinity of D14 for other binding partners. Here, we developed an efficient yeast four-hybrid (Y4H) detection system and demonstrate that SL induces the interaction of D14 with both SMXL7 and MAX2 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, using our newly established yeast four-hybrid system, we found that the SL-induced D14 interaction with SMXL7 was strengthened by MAX2 while SMXL7 weakened the SL-induced D14 interaction with MAX2. Our findings provide novel insights into the regulatory effects of these signaling components and shed light on the molecular mechanism controlling the core SL signaling pathway. Furthermore, the heterologous yeast platform used for investigating SL complex formation has great potential to explore dynamic interactions in other signaling pathways or elucidate the unknown complex formation for biosynthesis of the parent carotenoids of SLs.

Bioaccessibility and intestinal cell uptake of carotenoids and chlorophylls differ in powdered spinach by the ingredient form as measured using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and anaerobic fecal fermentation models.

Insights into food matrix factors impacting bioavailability of bioactive carotenoids and chlorophylls from fruits and vegetable ingredients are essential to understanding their ability to promote health. The stability and bioaccessibility of carotenoids and chlorophylls were assessed from dehydrated, spray-dried, freeze-dried and fresh spinach ingredient forms using in vitro models simulating upper gastrointestinal (GI) digestion and lower GI anaerobic fecal fermentation. Intestinal transport of bioaccessible bioactives from both upper and lower GI compartments was assessed using the Caco-2 human intestinal cell model. Differences in carotenoid and chlorophyll contents were observed between ingredient forms and these influenced bioaccessibility. Lower carotenoid and chlorophyll contents in spray dried spinach resulted in the lowest total bioaccessible content among all spinach treatments (5.8 ± 0.2 μmoles per g DW carotenoid and chlorophyll). The total bioaccessible content was statistically similar between freeze-dried (12.5 ± 0.6 μmoles per g DW), dehydrated (12.5 ± 3.2 μmoles per g DW), and fresh spinach (14.2 ± 1.2 μmoles per g DW). Post anaerobic fermentation, cellular accumulation of carotenoids was higher (17.57-19.52 vs. 5.11-8.56%), while that of chlorophylls was lower (3.05-5.27 vs. 5.25-6.44%), compared to those observed following upper GI digestion. Collectively, these data suggest that spinach forms created by various drying technologies deliver similar levels of bioaccessible spinach bioactives and that the lower GI tract may serve as a site for significant absorption fostered by interactions with gut microbial communities that liberate additional bioactives from the spinach matrix.

Inhibitory Effect of Astaxanthin on Gene Expression Changes in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Human Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection promotes gastric carcinogenesis by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulation of cell survival and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells. Astaxanthin (ASTX), a bioactive carotenoid, exhibits antioxidant and anticancer effects by modulating aberrant signaling pathways that lead to dysregulation of cell death and proliferation. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis and to examine the inhibitory effect of ASTX on H. pylori-induced gastric epithelial cell gene expression changes, we performed comparative RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis for H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells treated with or without ASTX. RNA-Seq results reveal that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in H. pylori-infected cells were mainly associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is related to cell proliferation. ASTX significantly reversed H. pylori-induced transcriptional alterations of the key mediators involved in β-catenin signaling, notably, porcupine (gene symbol, PORCN), spermine oxidase (SMOX), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI), SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1), Fos-like 1 (FOSLI), and c-myc (MYC). We suggest that ASTX may be a potential therapeutic agent that can suppress H. pylori-induced proliferation-associated gene expression changes, in part, by counter-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Valorization of seabuckthorn pomace to obtain bioactive carotenoids: An innovative approach of using green extraction techniques (ultrasonic and microwave-assisted extractions) synergized with green solvents (edible oils)

Seabuckthorn pomace (SBT-P) valorization is gaining importance due to the presence of health promoting bioactive compounds. Designed with a green refinery approach, carotenoids (a bioactive pigment) was extracted from SBT-P using green extraction technologies (Ultrasound- and Microwave-assisted extraction, UAE & MAE), synergized with corn and olive oils used as green solvents. Total carotenoid content (TCC) in SBT-P extracts ranged between 26.91 ± 1.96 and 34.35 ± 0.94 mg/100 g in UAE & MAE. Among the different extraction techniques, HPLC data revealed UAE and olive oil extracts to exhibit highest yield of major carotenoids ( lycopene 87.0; β--carotene 18.7 mg/L). The percent inhibition of DPPH free radical ranged between 92.49 ± 1.84 and 94.16 ± 1.06%, whereas total phenolic content ranged from 341.02 ± 10.97 to 405.58 ± 9.58 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of extract in UAE and MAE, respectively. Results encourages the use of green technologies for extraction of bioactive carotenoids from SBT-P and are expected to find potential food industrial applications, where natural pigments are in demand.

Cold-set NaCl-induced gels of soy protein isolate and locust bean gum: How the ageing process affect their microstructure and the stability of incorporated beta-carotene

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of solid lipid particles (SLP) incorporation on the aging process of NaCl-induced gels of soy protein isolate and locust bean gum. The feasibility of incorporating beta-carotene (BC) into emulsion-filled gels (EFGs) was evaluated and the stability of the carotenoid was determined in two systems, SLP and NaCl-induced EFGs. Non-filled gels (NFG) and EFG were characterized to determine their microstructural organization, rheological properties and water holding capacity (WHC) throughout storage. In addition, the amount of BC contained in SLP and EFG was quantified for 30 days. SLP dispersions were stable and retained about 57% of the encapsulated bioactive carotenoid after 30 days. Given the good stability of the SLPs, they were considered suitable for incorporation into the gels and for the production of EFGs. Their incorporation increased the stability of the gel systems. The strength and WHC of NFG systems decreased with aging, while those of EFGs increased. EFGs provided greater protection of encapsulated beta-carotene (about 90% of retention after 30 days of storage) than SLPs, indicating that gelation of the continuous phase is a good strategy to prevent the degradation of encapsulated bioactive carotenoid.

Improving norbixin dispersibility and stability by liposomal encapsulation using the pH‐driven method

Norbixin, a carotenoid extracted from annatto seeds, is widely utilized as a natural pigment in foods, cosmetics and medicines. Its water solubility is relatively high under neutral or alkaline conditions but low under acidic conditions, which limits its application in some food products. This problem was overcome by utilizing liposomes to encapsulate the carotenoids so that they could be easily dispersed within acidic solutions. The norbixin was loaded into the liposomes using the pH-driven method. Liposomes were produced by passing aqueous phospholipid dispersions through a microfluidizer under high pressure. Norbixin was then added to the liposome dispersions at pH 7.0 and then driven into the hydrophobic domains of the phospholipid bilayers by acidifying the system. Measurements of the encapsulation efficiency showed that the norbixin was successfully loaded into the liposomes using the pH-driven method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the norbixin was in an amorphous state after incorporation into the liposomes. Encapsulation of norbixin within the liposomes was also shown to increase its water dispersibility and chemical stability under acidic pH conditions. The pH-driven method therefore provides a useful means of increasing the application of this bioactive carotenoid within functional foods and other products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Xanthophylls from the Sea: Algae as Source of Bioactive Carotenoids.

Algae are considered pigment-producing organisms. The function of these compounds in algae is to carry out photosynthesis. They have a great variety of pigments, which can be classified into three large groups: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins. Within the carotenoids are xanthophylls. Xanthophylls (fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) are a type of carotenoids with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, due to their chemical structure rich in double bonds that provides them with antioxidant properties. In this context, xanthophylls can protect other molecules from oxidative stress by turning off singlet oxygen damage through various mechanisms. Based on clinical studies, this review shows the available information concerning the bioactivity and biological effects of the main xanthophylls present in algae. In addition, the algae with the highest production rate of the different compounds of interest were studied. It was observed that fucoxanthin is obtained mainly from the brown seaweeds Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Hizikia fusiformis, Sargassum spp., and Fucus spp. The main sources of astaxanthin are the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Chlorococcum sp. Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly found in algal species such as Scenedesmus spp., Chlorella spp., Rhodophyta spp., or Spirulina spp. However, the extraction and purification processes of xanthophylls from algae need to be standardized to facilitate their commercialization. Finally, we assessed factors that determine the bioavailability and bioaccesibility of these molecules. We also suggested techniques that increase xanthophyll’s bioavailability.

Carotenoids from persimmon juice processing

The aim of this study was the use and revalorization of two persimmon by-products A and B generated in the juice production process. The by-product B resulting from a pectinase enzymatic treatment of peels and pulp to optimize juice extraction was especially suitable for recovery of valuable bioactive carotenoids. The extraction solvents and solvent combinations used were: ethanol, acetone, ethanol/acetone (50:50 v/v) and ethanol/acetone/hexane (25:25:50 v/v/v). HPLC-DAD analysis detected and identified a total of nine individual carotenoids namely violaxanthin, neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin 5,6-epoxide, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene represented 49.2% and 13.2% of the total carotenoid content (TCC) in the acetone extract from by-product B. TCC contributed greatly to antioxidant activity of acetone extract derived from this by-product. Pectinase enzymatic treatment of persimmon peels and pulp followed by absolute acetone extraction of carotenoids could be an efficient method to obtain a rich extract in these compounds that could be used as nutraceutical ingredient.

Enhancing production of fucoxanthin by the optimization of culture media of the microalga Tisochrysis lutea

Fucoxanthin is a bioactive carotenoid, found in algal species. The marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea is an interesting source of nutrients and valuable compounds like fucoxanthin. In the present work, the response surface methodology was applied to optimize the culture media in order to achieve high level of fucoxanthin from the T. lutea cultivated in 1-L batch photo-bioreactors. The relationship between fucoxanthin production and the culture medium parameters was fitted with a second-order polynomial equation using a multiple regression technique from the experimental results of the response surface methodology. The optimum composition required to obtain the highest amount of fucoxanthin was determined as follows: salinity, 36.27 g L−1; carbon source (starch), 3.90 g L−1; nitrogen source (nitrate), 0.162 g L−1. Optimum conditions significantly enhance the production of fucoxanthin (79.40 ± 0.95 mg g−1 dry weight) and decrease the period of cultivation from 14 days (in non-optimized conditions) to 4 days.