β-Cryptoxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment. It has been isolated from a variety of sources including the fruit of plants in the genus Physalis, orange rind, winter squashes such as butternut, papaya, egg yolk, butter, apples, and bovine blood serum.[1]
Chemistry
In terms of structure, β-cryptoxanthin is closely related to β-carotene, with only the addition of a hydroxyl group. It is a member of the class of carotenoids known as xanthophylls.
In a pure form, β-cryptoxanthin is a red crystalline solid with a metallic luster. It is freely soluble in chloroform, benzene, pyridine, and carbon disulfide. It is insoluble in water like most β-carotenoids.[1]
Biology and medicine
In the human body, β-cryptoxanthin is converted to vitamin A (retinol) and is, therefore, considered a provitamin A. As with other carotenoids, β-cryptoxanthin is an antioxidant and may help prevent free radical damage to cells and DNA, as well as stimulate the repair of oxidative damage to DNA.[2]
Other uses
β-Cryptoxanthin is also used as a substance to colour food products (INS number 161c). It is not approved for use in the EU[3] or USA;[citation needed] however, it is approved for use in Australia and New Zealand.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Merck Index, 11th Edition, 2612.
- ^ Lorenzo, Y.; Azqueta, A.; Luna, L.; Bonilla, F.; Dominguez, G.; Collins, A. R. (2008). “The carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin stimulates the repair of DNA oxidation damage in addition to acting as an antioxidant in human cells”. Carcinogenesis. 30 (2): 308–314. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgn270. PMID 19056931.
- ^ UK Food Standards Agency: “Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers”. Retrieved 2011-10-27.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code“Standard 1.2.4 – Labelling of ingredients”. Retrieved 2011-10-27.