ABSTRACT
The C40 carotenoids (CARs) and their oxygenated derivatives xanthophylls (XANs) are one of nature’s major antioxidant pigments and they ef ciently quench singlet oxygen [1O2] and interact with damaging free radicals. Indeed, carotenoids protect bacterial and green plant photosynthetic systems and the skin from 1O2 damage. XANs protect the macula of the eye and the interaction/ quenching of free radicals can be observed in photosynthetic systems and are also believed to be linked to the protective role of CARs against the initiation of chronic disease.
