A Functional Analysis of Microbial Zeaxanthin: Ingredient for Nutraceutical, Food Additives, Cosmetics/ Skin Care and Pharmaceuticals

Background: Zeaxanthin is a natural pigment known to play an important role in macular region of retina. However, the biological functions of the microbial zeaxanthin from a new source were not clear. Objective: To study the biological functions of the new microbial zeaxanthin. Method: Cell viability, antioxidant activity, melanin content, anti-proliferation effect were measured after treatments of the microbial zeaxanthin. Results: It was found that the microbial zeaxanthin was a potent antioxidant which could also increase cell viability under UV irradiation, decrease melanin content, and suppress cancer cell proliferation. Conclusion: The present study showed that microbial zeaxanthin could be a good ingredient for use in health care and skin care products (Ken-Shwo Dai, Olleya marilimosa and its use in a method for the preparation of a composition comprising zeaxanthin; EP2441433).