Accumulation of Paprika Carotenoids in Human Blood and Reaction Mechanism of Anti-oxidative Activities of Carotenoids with Reactive Oxygen Species

Abstract

Relationship between oxidative stress and aging or diseases has been received increasing attention. Carotenoids are known as phytochemicals with strong anti-oxidative activities against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and they are often applied to nutritional supplements or functional foods. We analyzed the reaction mechanism of carotenoids with ROS in detail by LC/PDA ESI-MS and ESR spectrometry and discovered paprika carotenoids show strong anti-oxidative activities against not only singlet oxygen but also hydroxyl radical. In addition, we found orally administrated paprika carotenoids dramatically increased carotenoid levels in human blood. In this review, the analysis of reaction mechanism of carotenoid with ROS and blood kinetics of paprika carotenoids are briefly described.