ABSTRACT
Carotenoids are a family of natural pigments with at least 750 members. They possess a polyisoprenoid structure and are synthesized by plants, seaweeds, and microorganisms, but not by animals. Fruits and vegetables are the major sources of dietary carotenoids [1]. Yellow-orange vegetables and fruits provide α-and β-carotene, orange fruits provide β-cryptoxanthin, dark green leaves and vegetables
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 289 Preventive Effect of Astaxanthin on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis ..... 291
Anti-Inammatory Effect of Astaxanthin ......................................................... 291 Suppression of Pro-Inammatory Cytokine mRNA Expression in the Colonic Mucosa by Astaxanthin .......................................................................294 Inhibition of Nuclear Transcription Factor KappaB Activation by Astaxanthin ....296
