The antioxidant role of carotenoids
April 18, 2010
| Abstract Title: | The antioxidant role of carotenoids |
| Authors: | Rahota Cristina, Melania Munteanu, Nichifor Viorel Tiberiu |
| Affiliation: | “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | This paper intended to present an antioxidant role of carotenoids. Carotenoids are a class of compounds by original plants with great interest in phytotherapy and pharmacology, being very important in antioxidant activities. Carotenoid group of over 600 natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, many of them antioxidants. Only a few have been studied thoroughly to uncover their potential health benefits ,they are: lycopene which is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and detoxification, β-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and transforms into it when the body needs it; vitamin A increases resistance to infection of cartilage, mucous membranes and skin, helps the visual adaptation, the normal development of skeletal and dental enamel, and the proper functioning of the liver , thyroid and other organs as well; lutein extracted from Calendula officinalis L. has anticancer properties. The most important representatives are: Hippophae rhamnoides L., known as one of the most potent natural antioxidant, helps cell regeneration, increasing healing, Calendula officinalis L. used successfully to treat digestive disorders, Urtica dioica L. is used for its tianemics, hemostatic, agents, diuretics and cholagogue properties. But more important is the extraction of β-carotene as provitamin A, source for obtaining chlorophyll. |
| Keywords: | carotenoids, antioxidant role, detoxification, anticancer, cell regeneration |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | carotenoids, antioxidant role, detoxification, anticancer, cell regeneration |
| Email: | rahota_criss@yahoo.com |
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