What Is The Color Of Carotenoids

Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body

Plants produce chemicals as part of their normal metabolic activities. These include primary metabolites found in all plants, such as sugars and fats, as well as secondary metabolites, which can have therapeutic effects in humans and be refined to produce drugs. Plants synthesize a bewildering variety of phytochemicals, but most are derivatives of a few biochemical motifs. Numerous herbal-derived substances have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential. These include alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, plant pigments and flavonoids. Flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins are probably the best known of these substances due to their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body presents comprehensive coverage of carotenoids. The text covers the scientific literature and clinical significance of this organic pigment, with an emphasis on its therapeutic potential. The authors approach carotenoids from a range of perspectives, from their structural and physicochemical properties to their distribution in nature, interaction with the human metabolism, and use as a coloring agent in various products. The intake, metabolism and secretion of anthocyanins in the human body are covered in-depth, as are the biosynthetic pathways through which these compounds are synthesized in the natural system. Factors affecting stability and extraction are listed, and health-related uses and biological activities are covered in great detail. Present and future trends in carotenoid research are also presented. This book provides a solid background in carotenoids for researchers and professionals in food science, food technology, nutrition, biology, chemistry and medical sciences.

Genetic Studies of Root Color and Carotenoid Pigments in Carrot, Daucus Carota L.

Carotenoids as Colorants and Vitamin A Precursors

Carotenoids as Colorants and Vitamin A Precursors: Technological and Nutritional Applications presents the application of carotenoids to food and to the feed of animals, poultry, fish, and birds. This book discusses the use of carotenoids in medicine, in the coloring of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, and their unique role as photoconductors. Organized into 10 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the growing preference for natural-type colors in countries around the world. This text then examines the potential level of use of various carotenoids in a variety of foods. Other chapters consider the types of carotenoids that are added to the diet of aquatic animals, which should be selected according to the species because of varying biosynthetic capabilities and expected final pigment content. This book discusses as well the mechanisms that control the assimilation and absorption of some carotenoids. The final chapter deals with determination of vitamin A value. This book is a valuable resource for industrial chemists and aquaculturists.