Zeaxanthin: Metabolism, Properties, and Antioxidant Protection of Eyes, Heart, Liver, and Skin

Abstract

Zeaxanthin, a non-provitamin A carotenoid that belongs to the xanthophyll family, has been less studied than its isomer lutein. However, zeaxanthin has also been shown to have a number of beneficial effects for human health due to its ability to quench free radicals, exert antioxidant effects, as well as decrease inflammation. It is the purpose of this review to discuss the metabolism of zeaxanthin, including digestion, absorption, transport, and uptake by tissues, as well as the dietary or other factors which affect zeaxanthin bioavailability. In addition, this review also focuses on specific effects of this carotenoid on eye, skin, liver, and cardiovascular health. Data derived from human interventions, animal models of research, and in vitro and cell studies are discussed in this review.

A Brief Overview of Dietary Zeaxanthin Occurrence and Bioaccessibility

“…Moreover, a higher level of serum carotenoids has been associated with a reduced risk of developing NAFLD. Although rodents do not accumulate xanthophylls due to the high activity of BCO2 [ 9 ], a protective effect of zeaxanthin (free or esterified) against ethanol induced hepatic damage in animal models (rats, mice) and in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (gerbils) was indicated in several studies reviewed by Murillo et al [ 116 ].…”

Zeaxanthin-Rich Extract from Superfood Lycium barbarum Selectively Modulates the Cellular Adhesion and MAPK Signaling in Melanoma versus Normal Skin Cells In Vitro

“…Over 700 carotenoids can be found in nature but only few of them have nutritional value and are present in the human body: the provitamin A carotenoids (e.g., β-carotene) and the non-provitamin A carotenoids (lycopene, zeaxanthin and its stereoisomer lutein). The antioxidant carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein are xanthophylls, lipophilic pigments derived mainly from plant sources in the diet which the human body cannot synthesize [ 1 ]. They have free hydroxyl groups at each end of the molecule that provide unique biochemical properties that allow them to orient within cell membranes [ 2 ], quenching singlet molecular oxygen and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 3 ].…”

“…The bioavailability of zeaxanthin from food intake is dependent on its metabolism, including the esterification, and this process influences the accumulation of zeaxanthin in eyes, liver, intestines, blood vessels and in skin [ 1 ]. Several data strongly suggest that zeaxanthin supplementations may have a protective role in normal skin [ 1 ]; further, there are a few studies that address L. barbarum /Goji berries’ biologic outcome on malignant melanoma of skin. Huang and co-workers (2014), in a comprehensive paper, studied another Lycium variety ( L. chinense ) and the chosen biologic system was a murine melanoma cell line, not a human one.…”

Potential Therapeutic Benefit of NAD+ Supplementation for Glaucoma and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

“…Its age-related depletion affects the biological coping mechanisms associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and accumulation of damaged molecules [ 16 ]. All these alterations are intrinsically linked to retinal degenerative pathologies, such as glaucoma and AMD, and with compelling evidence that NAD + supplementation would be a promising intervention in these diseases [ 17 ], alone or possibly in combination with other nutraceutical agents such as saffron [ 18 , 19 ] and zeaxanthin [ 20 , 21 ], or pyruvate [ 22 ], which together provide neuroprotection by targeting multiple disease mechanisms. This review focuses on the shared pathophysiological mechanisms of glaucoma and AMD and the potential role that NAD + may play in their mitigation.…”