Antioxidant potential of meso-zeaxanthin a semi synthetic carotenoid

• Published in: Food chemistry 2010-04, Vol.119 (3), p.1096-1101
• Main Authors: Firdous, Alikkunjhi P., Preethi, Korengath C., Kuttan, Ramadasan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: animal models; antioxidant activity; Antioxidants; blood; Carotenoids; catalase; chemical concentration; dietary supplements; dose response; enzyme activity; free radical scavengers; glutathione; glutathione peroxidase; glutathione reductase (NADPH); glutathione transferase; human nutrition; lipid peroxidation; liver; Macular pigment; Meso-zeaxanthin; mice; oral administration; superoxide dismutase; Zeaxanthin
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.08.021

Semi synthetic carotenoid meso-zeaxanthin was evaluated for its antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. Meso -zeaxanthin was found to scavenge superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation. Concentrations needed for 50% inhibition (IC 50) were 27.0, 3.5 and 3.2 μg/ml, respectively. It scavenged 2,2-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiozoline-6-sulphonic acid and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radicals and IC 50 were 46.5, 6.25 μg/ml, respectively. It also scavenged nitric oxide radicals and IC 50 was found to be 2.2 μg/ml. Oral administration of meso -zeaxanthin inhibited superoxide radicals generated in macrophages by 25.2%, 50.1% and 67.2% at doses of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg b.wt., respectively. One month oral administration of meso-zeaxanthin to mice significantly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione and glutathione reductase levels in blood and liver. Levels of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase were also found to be increased in the liver, in a dose dependent manner. These results showed that meso -zeaxanthin has significant antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo.