Abstract

PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF LUTEIN: A REVIEW

Ammayappan Rajam Srividya*, Vaithiyalingam Jagannathan Vishnuvarthan

Abstract

Lutein is along with β-carotene, one of the most widely distributed carotenoids in fruits and vegetables frequently consumed by different populations. Chemically lutein is the dihydroxy derivative of α- carotene presenting two hydroxyl group at the terminal rings of the molecules. Lutein plays an important role in Prevention of Hypoxia- Induced Cell Damage in the Eye, in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), in Diabetic Retinopathy, in Retinal Detachment, Lutein in the Lens and in the Uvea. Lutein has become known as the “eye vitamin” and its dietary intake is important in maintaining its concentration in human lens and retina. It also gives protection to the skin against UV light radiations and cancer. Lutein had an Inhibitory effect on Epstein-Barr virus activation in tumor activity to suppress the tumor promotion. Lutein showed the anti-tumor promoting activities in mouse two-stage skin carcinogenesis and decreased the number of aberrant crypt foci in rat colon. Lutein suppressed tumorigenesis in skin and colon in mice.

Keywords: Lutein, eye protection, anticancer, antioxidant, Carotenoid