Carotenoids: Sources, Chemistry, Health Benefits and Role in Drug Discovery

Abstract

Carotenoids are thought to offer advantages in age-related illnesses, including protection against some types of cancer (especially lung cancer), strokes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. There are 600 identified carotenoids as of now, and 50 of them are consumed in humans to produce the vital nutrient vitamin A.  They are obtained from various sources like plants, animals, and microbes such as algae, fungi, and bacteria. They constitute various colored pigments especially in plants and offer different roles in plant body as well as health benefits in humans. Plasma lipoproteins transport carotenoids, which are metabolised by an oxidative rupture to retinal, retinoic acid, and trace amounts of breakdown metabolites. While xanthophyll’s have an unchanging distribution between low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins, carotenes have a strong association with low-density lipoproteins. The current review offers insight into the occurrence, chemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism, and role of different carotenoids in human health in combating various disease conditions.