カロテノイド

β-カロテンの代謝と生理活性を中心に

抄録

Carotenoids are red and yellow pigments widely distributed in nature and were discoverd as long ago as 19th century.
By the nutrition survey, those who ate vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids, especially β-carotene had a much lower death rate due to lung cancer than who were not eating such foods.
The ability of carotenoids to quench active oxygen species and protect cells and molecules in the body may be important role.
The proposal that carotenoids may be effective substance in the prevention of human cancer has focussed.
Some evidence for the proposal on the above were reviewed and also, metabolism of carotenoids in the plant and animal including human beings are shown.