NCBI Taxonomy: 158338

Lutein

C40H56O2 (568.4280076)

Lutein is a common carotenoid xanthophyll found in nature. Carotenoids are among the most common pigments in nature and are natural lipid-soluble antioxidants. Lutein is one of the two carotenoids (the other is zeaxanthin) that accumulate in the eye lens and macular region of the retina with concentrations in the macula greater than those found in plasma and other tissues. Lutein and zeaxanthin have identical chemical formulas and are isomers, but they are not stereoisomers. The main difference between them is in the location of a double bond in one of the end rings. This difference gives lutein three chiral centers whereas zeaxanthin has two. A relationship between macular pigment optical density, a marker of lutein and zeaxanthin concentration in the macula, and lens optical density, an antecedent of cataractous changes, has been suggested. The xanthophylls may act to protect the eye from ultraviolet phototoxicity via quenching reactive oxygen species and/or other mechanisms. Some observational studies have shown that generous intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin, particularly from certain xanthophyll-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, and eggs, are associated with a significant reduction in the risk for cataracts (up to 20\\\\\%) and age-related macular degeneration (up to 40\\\\\%). While the pathophysiology of cataract and age-related macular degeneration is complex and contains both environmental and genetic components, research studies suggest dietary factors including antioxidant vitamins and xanthophylls may contribute to a reduction in the risk of these degenerative eye diseases. Further research is necessary to confirm these observations (PMID: 11023002). Lutein is a carotenol. It has a role as a food colouring and a plant metabolite. It derives from a hydride of a (6R)-beta,epsilon-carotene. Lutein is an xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and yellow carrots. In green plants, xanthophylls act to modulate light energy and serve as non-photochemical quenching agents to deal with triplet chlorophyll (an excited form of chlorophyll), which is overproduced at very high light levels, during photosynthesis. Lutein is a natural product found in Eupatorium cannabinum, Hibiscus syriacus, and other organisms with data available. Lutein is lutein (LOO-teen) is a oxygenated carotenoid found in vegetables and fruits. lutein is found in the macula of the eye, where it is believed to act as a yellow filter. Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. A xanthophyll found in the major LIGHT-HARVESTING PROTEIN COMPLEXES of plants. Dietary lutein accumulates in the MACULA LUTEA. See also: Calendula Officinalis Flower (part of); Corn (part of); Chicken; lutein (component of) ... View More ... Pigment from egg yolk and leaves. Found in all higher plants. Nutriceutical with anticancer and antioxidation props. Potentially useful for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) of the eye Lutein A. CAS Common Chemistry. CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society, n.d. https://commonchemistry.cas.org/detail?cas_rn=127-40-2 (retrieved 2024-07-12) (CAS RN: 127-40-2). Licensed under the Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). Lutein (Xanthophyll) is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health[1]. Lutein exerts its biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidase and anti-apoptosis, through effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS)[2][3]. Lutein is able to arrive in the brain and shows antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects. Lutein is orally active[4]. Lutein (Xanthophyll) is a carotenoid with reported anti-inflammatory properties. A large body of evidence shows that lutein has several beneficial effects, especially on eye health[1]. Lutein exerts its biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidase and anti-apoptosis, through effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS)[2][3]. Lutein is able to arrive in the brain and shows antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects. Lutein is orally active[4].