An Overview on the Role of Macular Xanthophylls in Ocular Diseases

Abstract

Macula lutea, is the center of the retina of the eye, contains high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin which can act as a filter against short-wavelength (blue) light. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only carotenoids detected in human lens which exhibit highly strong free radical scavenging activity. Many epidemiological studies, clinical trials, animal experiments have suggested that lutein and zeaxanthin have antiinflammatory potential with their high antioxidant properties. Several eye diseases including, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis and retinitis pigmentosa are caused by ocular inflammation. Some studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin could be protective, curative and preventive against ocular inflammation induced diseases and other ocular disorders such as cataract, glaucoma and choroideremia. The mechanisms responsible for these effects are absorption of near-ultraviolet and blue light, reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation and angiogenesis. Lutein and zeaxanthin can be taken from dietary supplements or a diet high in fruits, vegetables such as kale, spinach and turnip greens. The aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between the consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin and eye diseases.

A Preliminary Study on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Opopanax Hispidus

“…ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities were found higher for aerial parts than flowers, but not a serious margin. Naturally-occurring plant pigments, phenolic compounds, terpenes are secondary metabolites of plants that are the best known for their ability to scavenge free radicals [17,24]. Phenolic substances are known to be responsible for the antioxidant effect that medicinal plants possess [25,26].…”

Supramolecular Carotenoid Complexes of Enhanced Solubility and Stability—The Way of Bioavailability Improvement

“…High stability of the carotenoid radical cations imbedded into GA host opens possibilities for the application of these complexes for the design of artificial light-harvesting, photoredox and catalytic systems.One of the most important biological properties of carotenoids is their antioxidant activity. In aqueous environment as well as in lipid membranes carotenoids trap toxic oxygen radicals and thus prevent damage to living organism [62,63]. Some studies were performed to elucidate how the complexation with GA affects the ability of carotenoids to scavenge reactive oxygen radicals [17,59].…”

Quantification of phenolic and flavonoid contents and some biological activities of Ornithogalum sigmoideum Freyn Sint

“…Antioxidants may help prevent or delay cell damage caused by oxidation and inflammation. Moreover these molecules have disease-fighting potentials against several chronic and degenerative disorders including autoimmune, cardiovascular, dermatologic, neurodegenerative, ocular and respiratory system diseases and even aging and cancer [2][3][4][5]. Polyphenols and flavonoids, which are found in almost all fruits and vegetables, are natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds [6][7][8].…”