Fitoterapia. 2015 Dec 17;109:58-66. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2015.12.009. [Epub ahead of print]
Manikandan R1,
Thiagarajan R2,
Goutham G1,
Arumugam M1,
Beulaja M3,
Rastrelli L4,
Skalicka-Woźniak K5,
Habtemariam S6,
Orhan IE7,
Nabavi SF8,
Nabavi SM9.
Abstract
Cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration are known as major ocular problems which cause blindness among the elderly population worldwide. Oxidative stress plays an important role in both the initiation and progression of ocular problems and with respect to this; dietary antioxidants can serve as a therapeutic strategy for the improvement of ocular health. Zeaxanthin is known as one of the most important and common xanthophyll carotenoids, possessing multiple therapeutic effects such as strong antioxidant and pro-oxidant behaviour as well as anti-inflammatory effects. A growing body of literature shows that zeaxanthin mitigates ocular problems and suppresses oxidative stress in the retinal tissues. This paper aims to critically review the available literature regarding the beneficial effects of zeaxanthin on ocular problems with emphasis on its chemistry, bioavailability, and sources.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Age-related macular degeneration; Cataract; Ocular problems; Oxidative stress; Zeaxanthin
