Beta-cryptoxanthin (β-cry) is a carotenoid pigment, that is especially rich in Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) fruit, a major citrus in Japan. Recent epidemiological studies suggested that β-cry is one of the major carotenoid in human blood and that daily intake of β-cry is effective to prevent from several disease. Carotenoids are known to contribute to the body's defense against reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. Therefore, it is considered that β-cry is a beneficial substance on health promotion for Japanese because the main source of β-cry for the Japanese is Satsuma mandarin which is the most consuming fruit in Japan. The current researches concerned with β-cry, i.e., the carotenoid biosynthesis in the citrus fruit, the epidemiological evidences of risk reducing effect for cancer and other diseases, and investigations corresponding to disease prevention using animal experiments were reviewed. The possibilities for breeding of β-cry enriched citrus cultivars and industrial preparation of β-cry from citrus are also discussed.
雑誌名
果樹研究所研究報告
雑誌名(英)
Bulletin of the National Institute of Fruit Tree Science
β- クリプトキサンチン研究最近の進歩
nifs_report_No4p13-28p.pdf
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