Astaxanthin is a lipid–soluble, reddish–orange pigment that belongs to a group of carotenoids called xanthophylls, which includes β–cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin [1]. It is obtained from primary sources such as higher plants; microscopic phytoplankton algae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum sp.; and some microorganisms, i.e., Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (anamorph Phaffia rhodozyma) yeasts and bacteria such[Read…]

  Bilberry contains a variety of phenolic compounds, including flavonols (quercetin, catechins), tannins, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids, but anthocyanins make by far the largest contribution to its phytochemical mix. Red, blue, and purple-colored flowers, fruits, and vegetables contain these naturally occurring phenolic compounds, which are redox-active antioxidants and iron chelators. In comparison to other berries[Read…]

  Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin commonly found in nature, is a lipophilic pigment belonging to the xanthophyll family of dietary carotenoids [1]. Carotenoids can be divided into carotenes, e.g., α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, torulene, isorenieratene, and their oxygen derivatives, xanthophylls, containing oxygen in the molecule in the form of hydroxyl, epoxy, or carbonyl groups, e.g.,[Read…]

 Lycopene, also known as psi-carotene, belongs to the family of organic pigments known as carotenoid. Plants and microorganisms both produce carotenoid, a lipid-soluble pigment. More than 700 different chemicals make up the carotenoid, which gives many fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange, and red colors. Approximately 90% of the carotenoids in the diet and human[Read…]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the earliest human production and consumption oil crops in the family of Pedaliaceae, rape, soybean, and peanuts, known as China’s four major oil crops. Due to its highly aromatic odor and mellow flavor, sesame is extensively produced and well-liked. Sesame can be divided into three categories based on[Read…]

Collagen constitutes one-third of the total protein in humans and is the most abundant form of structural protein in the body. Collagen has a structure that is similar to a rope. The collagen triple helix is made up of three chains that spiral around one another. These constituent parts combine to form collagen fibrils, which[Read…]

POMEGRANATE EXTRACT The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), belonging to Punica L. genus, Punicaceae family, is an ancient fruit native to Central Asia in regions spanning from Iran and Turkmenistan to northern India as well as in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Pomegranate and its components have been shown in studies conducted over the[Read…]

THE ROLE OF CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D Calcium Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Approximately 1.2 kg (equivalent to about 300 mmol) is contained within the human body, with 99% of this calcium being located within the bones and teeth. Calcium is also located in body fluids and soft tissues. It has[Read…]

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Extract Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a perennial green herb that grows in hot, dry regions of North Africa, the Middle East of Asia, the Southern Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. It has vivid yellow tubular flowers. The colorless mucilaginous gel from aloe vera leaves has been[Read…]

TURMERIC Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Although it has more than 300 active components, the primary biologically active component forming the basis for the medicinal properties of this plant is a material taken from its root that has the feature of being a yellow or orange pigment.[Read…]