Prooxidant property of carotenoids

Young, A.J. and Lowe, G.M., Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of carotenoids. Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 385, 20, 2001. 

Antioxidant and prooxidant properties of carotenoids have recently been reviewed [50,51]. Carotenoids serve as efficient quenchers of single oxygen. Their assumed function as antioxidants in vivo is largely based on model experiments. 

Many reviews have been written about the antioxidant activities of carotenoids. Some also describe prooxidant activities. - In consequence, only selected points about this very broad subject will be presented in the first part of this chapter. Linked to these properties and important for food nutritional value is the stability of caro-... 

Astaxanthin has exhibited potent antioxidant, immunomodulating, and enzyme-inducing properties, all of which suggest a potential role for this carotenoid in the prevention of cancer. Moreover, its unique stractiual properties and its lack of prooxidant activity make it a prime candidate for further investigation. More research is needed on the absorption and metabolism of this promising anticancer agent in humans and on its interactions with other carotenoids and vitamins in the human system. 

---