Carotenoids | Carotenes and Xanthophylls.

1. Phyto - Pharmaceutical’s
(Carotenoids and Derivatives)
Presented By –
Mr. Swapnil Therkar
M.Pharm 1st Year
Dept. of Pharmacognosy
Government College of
Pharmacy, Amravati
Guided By –
Miss. Ifra Naaz
Dept. of Pharmacognosy
Government College of
Pharmacy, Amravati
Government College of Pharmacy, Amravati

2. Index
Sr. No. Content Page No.
1 Introduction 2
2 Carotenoids 3
3 Carotene 5
4 Xanthophylls 7
5 Functions of Carotenoids 9
6 Sources 11
7 Biosynthesis 12
8 Extraction 14

3. Introduction
The term “Phytopharmaceutical” is derived from
two words, i.e. Phyto referring to plants and
pharmaceutical refers to medicinal drugs.
Phytopharmaceutical drug is defined as a purified
and standardized fraction with defined minimum four
bioactive or phytochemical compound of an extract
of a medicinal plant or its part.
These are meant for internal or external use of
human beings or animals for diagnosis, treatment,
mitigation or prevention of any disease or disorder but
does not include administration by parenteral
route.

4. Carotenoids
 Carotenoids" is a term used to represent the majority of pigments naturally
found in animals and plants.
 Most carotenoids are tetra-terpenoids consisting of 8 units isoprenoids linked.
 This are fat-soluble pigments. Most carotenoids are hydrocarbons containing 40
carbon atoms and two terminal rings.
 All photosynthetic organisms (including plants algae and cyanobacteria) and
some non photosynthetic bacteria and fungi synthesize the carotenoids.

5. Linear Hydrocarbon
Egs, α – Carotene, β – Carotene, Lycopene
Oxygenated Derivatives
Egs, Lutein, Neoxanthin, Violaxanthin, Zeaxanthin

6. Carotenes
 The carotenes are consist of linear hydrocarbons that can be cyclized at one end or both ends of the
molecule. This includes α – Carotene, β – Carotenes, Lycopene, etc.
 The α – Carotene and β - Carotene are primarily precursors of vitamin A.
 Orange, yellow, green-colored fruits and vegetables such as carrot, pumpkin, apricot, sweet potato
and beans are rich sources of carotenoids.
 The conversion efficacy of β - Carotene to vitamin A (Retinol) is theoretically higher than α –
Carotene.
 In addition to their therapeutic role as vitamin A precursors, these carotenoids are positively related
to the prevention of several cancers including skin and breast cancers.

7.  In other studies, the proliferation of human malignant tumor cells was more effectively suppressed
by α – Carotene than by β – Carotene.

8. xanthophylls
 Theses oxygenated derivatives of carotenes. These includes lutein, violaxanthin, neoxanthin and
zeaxanthin known as xanthophylls.
 Xanthophylls are hydroxyl products of carotenoid hydrocarbons, which comprise a diverse group of
oxygenated carotenoids with varied structures and complexes functions.
 There are known many xanthophylls of which the most important are lutein and zeaxanthin.
 Lutein is a yellow crystalline substance.
 It gives the yellow color to flowers. It is also found in egg yolk, animal tissues and in the ovary.
 Zeaxanthin are the forms of orange crystals.
 From structural point of view it differs from lutein by the position of a double bond.

10. Function’s
1. Antioxidant Properties - Carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free
radicals in the body. This helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress, which is reason to
various chronic diseases.
2. Vitamin A Precursors - Carotenoids, like β – Carotene, can be converted into vitamin A in the
body. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and vision.
3. Vision Health - Carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, are concentrated in the eyes and contribute
in maintaining optimal vision. They help protect the eyes from age related degeneration and
cataracts.
4. Skin Health - Carotenoids contribute to skin health by protecting it from the harmful effects of UV
radiation. They may also prevent premature aging.
5. Immune Stimulant - Carotenoids support the immune system by enhancing the activity of certain
immune cells. This helps the body defend against infections and illnesses.

11. 6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects - Some carotenoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, helping to
reduce inflammation in the body.
7. Coloration in Plants – In plants, carotenoids provides the vibrant colors to flowers, fruits and
vegetables. This not only attracts pollinators but also serves as a marker of ripeness and increases
nutritional value.
8. Cancer Prevention - There is ongoing research suggesting that carotenoids may have a
protective effect against certain types of cancers (Lung cancer) due to their strong antioxidant
properties and potential role in regulating cell growth.
9. Cardiovascular Health - Carotenoids, especially lycopene, may contribute to cardiovascular
health by helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

12. Source’s
Alpha and Beta Carotenes Lycopene Lutein and Zeaxanthin
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato
• Mango
• Papaya
• Squash
• Broccoli
• Apricot
• Cantaloupe
• Tomato’s
• Watermelon
• Sprouts
• Egg Yolks
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Papaya

13. Biosynthetic Pathway

14. The biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids involves a series of enzymatic reactions within plant cells.
Carotenoid biosynthesis begins where precursors like isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and
dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) are synthesized.
Formation of Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate (GGPP) - IPP and DMAPP combine to form
geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), a key precursor in carotenoid synthesis.
Phytoene Synthesis - GGPP undergoes condensation reactions to produce phytoene, a colorless linear
carotenoid precursor.
Desaturation and Cyclization - Enzymes introduce double bonds into phytoene, resulting in the
formation of colored carotenoids. Cyclization of the molecule generates various carotenoid
compounds.
Formation of Carotenes and Xanthophylls - Carotenes, such as beta-carotene, are formed through
additional desaturation and cyclization steps. Xanthophylls are another group of carotenoids that are
produced through further modifications in alpha-carotene and beta-carotene.

15. extraction
 It is a process of taking out active components of medical plants using different menstruum.
 Extractions are based on type of phytochemical and it’s solubility in specific solvent.
 Carotenoids are soluble in non-polar solvents.
 As they are lipid soluble they are extracted from the plant sources using organic solvents
(chloroform, hexane, petroleum ether, etc).

17. 1. Carotenoid Source
• The carotenoid source is collected and pulvarized for further process.
2) Pre-Treatment
• Plant or micro-algal cell’s have Complex and rigid structure.
• It cause barrier to solvent for penetration into the cell for extraction.
• For this Pre treatment is done.
i) Physical Method's
• Drying, Cooking (Decoction) and Osmatic Shock
ii) Chemical Method's
• Acid Treatment- HCl
• Base Alkali Treatment- NaOH
• Surfactant- Decrease interfacial Tension.

18. 3. Extraction Processes
I. Maceration
II. Soxhlet Extraction
III. Supercritical Fluid Extraction
IV. Ultrasound Assisted Extraction
V. Microwave Assisted Extraction

19. Fig. - SCF Extraction Fig. – Ultrasound Assisted Extraction
Fig. – Microwave Assisted Extraction

20. Some marketed formulations of Carotenoids are given below;

21. Reference
1) Dr. Deenanath Jhade, Dr. Neeraj Kumar Sharma, Dr. Mona Kejariwal, Dr. Md. Rageeb
Md. Usman ‘ A Text Book of ADVANCED PHARMACOGNOSY-I’, P.V. Publication Pg. No.
145-162
2) Harris Papapostolou et.al. Natural Carotenoids: Recent Advances on Separation from
Microbial Biomass and Methods of Analysis
3) https://chat.openai.com/share/f1441325-7906-47f7-834d-9c112a22d8e0
4) https://www.slideshare.net/ShivaskandaGanesh/phytopharmaceuticals-durgashree-
diwakar?from_m_app=android

22. THANK YOU