Carotenoids are a group of plant pigments responsible for bright red, yellow, and orange hues seen in many
fruits and vegetables. They are a class of phytonutrients, naturally occurring compounds that have beneficial
properties for human health.
Carotenoids are classified as terpenoids, specifically as tetraterpenoids
(i.e. containing 8 isoprene units).
There are over 600 known carotenoids, but the most common ones include
beta-carotene, lycopene,
zeaxanthin, and lutein.
Carotenoids, which are typically divided into two main types: xanthophylls, which contain oxygen,
and carotenes, which are purely hydrocarbons.
Carotenoids are fat-soluble and are known for their antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body from damage by free radicals,
which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.
In addition to their antioxidant function, some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body, which is crucial for vision,
growth, and immune function.
Carotenoids have been linked to numerous health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. They have been associated with reduced
risk of certain types of cancers, improved eye health, and enhanced immune function. The wide array of colorful fruits and vegetables,
such as carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, is a great source of carotenoids.
Examples of some carotenoids found in herbal leaf extracts are listed below:
Beta-Carotene -
found in various green leafy vegetables and herbs.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These carotenoids are
typically found together and are especially abundant in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.
Lycopene - While lycopene is more commonly associated with red fruits and
vegetables, particularly tomatoes, some herbs also contain this antioxidant carotenoid.
Astaxanthin -
This carotenoid is most commonly found in algae and seafood like salmon and shrimp, but it can also be found in some herbal extracts.
Beta-Cryptoxanthin -
Another pro-vitamin A carotenoid like beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin can also be found in certain herbal leaf extracts.
Examples of some carotenoids found in flowers are listed below:
Beta-Carotene -
The most common type of carotenoid, it is often found in bright orange flowers.
For example, marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are a common flower that contains high amounts of beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A and acts as an antioxidant in the body.
Lycopene - This carotenoid produces a red color and is most commonly
found in tomatoes, but it is also present in some flowers, like certain species of roses. Lycopene has been linked to heart health
and cancer prevention.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These carotenoids are
typically found together and contribute to yellow pigmentation. They are commonly found in flowers like calendula
(Calendula officinalis). Both lutein and zeaxanthin are known for their antioxidant properties and their role in eye health.
Astaxanthin -
This carotenoid produces a reddish pigment and, while typically found in algae and aquatic animals that eat these algae, it may also be
found in certain flowers. Astaxanthin has powerful antioxidant properties and is known for its potential benefits to skin health and
inflammation reduction.
Violaxanthin -
This is a yellow pigment found in a variety of flowers, including pansies (Viola spp.) and some daisies
(Bellis perennis). Like other carotenoids, violaxanthin has antioxidant properties.
Capsanthin -
This is a red pigment found in the flowers of certain pepper plants (Capsicum annuum).
Examples of some carotenoids found in fruit and vegetables are listed below:
Beta-Carotene -
This is the most common type of carotenoid and the most well-known provitamin A carotenoid. It gives carrots, sweet potatoes,
spinach, and kale their orange or dark green colour.
Alpha-Carotene - Similar to beta-carotene, alpha-carotene is also a
provitamin A carotenoid. It is found in similar foods to beta-carotene, including carrots, pumpkins,
and winter squashes.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These carotenoids
are found in colourful foods like corn and oranges. Lutein and zeaxanthin are beneficial for eye health and are the only carotenoids
found in high concentrations in the retina of the eye.
Lycopene - Known for giving tomatoes their red colour, lycopene is also
found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, and apricots. It is a powerful antioxidant and has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention.
Beta-Cryptoxanthin -
Another provitamin A carotenoid, beta-cryptoxanthin, gives oranges, papayas, and peaches their orange colour.
Examples of some carotenoids found in brown seaweed are listed below:
Fucoxanthin -
This is the dominant carotenoid in brown seaweeds. It is a xanthophyll, known for its potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and anti-obesity effects.
Violaxanthin -
This is another type of xanthophyll that can be found in some species of brown seaweed.
Violaxanthin is part of the xanthophyll cycle, which is involved in the protection against photo-oxidative damage.
Neoxanthin -
This is a xanthophyll that can also be found in some brown seaweeds. It also plays a role in the xanthophyll cycle.
Beta Carotene -
This is a precursor of vitamin A that is present in many fruits and vegetables, as well as some types of seaweed.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These carotenoids are
typically found together and are present in some brown seaweeds.They are known for their antioxidant properties and their role in eye health.
Lycopene - While lycopene is more commonly associated with red fruits and
vegetables, particularly tomatoes, it can also be found in some brown seaweed species.
Examples of some carotenoids found in green seaweed are listed below:
Beta Carotene -
This carotenoid, with antioxidant bioactive properties, is found in green seaweed species such as
Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce) and Codium fragile (commonly known as green sea fingers or dead man's fingers).
Lutein -
This is a powerful antioxidantand that can play a role in maintaining eye health. It is found in Ulva lactuca and
Caulerpa lentillifera (often known as "sea grapes" or "green caviar").
Violaxanthin -
Found in Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha intestinalis.
Neoxanthin -
This carotenoid has antioxidant properties and is involved in the process of photosynthesis. It is found in
Ulva lactuca and Caulerpa lentillifera.
Zeaxanthin - Like lutein, zeaxanthin plays a crucial role in
eye health. It is also involved in the xanthophyll cycle and offers protection against harmful high-energy blue light.
It is found in Ulva lactuca and Enteromorpha intestinalis.
Siphonaxanthin - This is a unique xanthophyll found in
green seaweeds (e.g. Codium fragile) and some red seaweeds.
Siphonein -
This carotenoid is specifically found in siphonous green algae, like Bryopsis, and some red seaweeds.
Examples of some carotenoids found in red seaweed are listed below:
Zeaxanthin - This carotenoid is also common in red seaweeds.
For instance, the red seaweed Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish moss, contains zeaxanthin.
Lutein -
This carotenoid is less common in red algae compared to other types of seaweed, however an example of a red seaweed that
does contain lutein is Porphyra species (known as Nori).
Bet-Carotene -
This carotenoid is widely distributed in many organisms and is present in a number of red seaweed species, for instance
Palmaria palmata (known as dulse).
Siphonaxanthin - This is a unique xanthophyll found in
green seaweeds (Chlorophyta) and some red seaweeds.
Siphonein -
This carotenoid is specifically found in siphonous green algae, like Bryopsis, and some red seaweeds.
The extraction process, including the solvents and methods used, can influence the concentration and types of carotenoids present in the final extract.
It is often the case that a balance needs to be found between fully-extracting all carotenoids while also ensuring that the compounds that are
obtained are of a high quality and not degraded.
At Celignis we have extensive experience in the design and optimisation of extraction protocols for a wide variety of chemical constituents from
many different biomass types. If needed we can also work on processes to separate and purify the target compounds.
Click here to read more about Celignis's Bioprocess Development Services for the extraction of
chemicals from biomass.
Celignis is a Partner in 3 Successful Proposals for EU Funding
We are pleased to announce that three of the proposals involving Celignis, submitted to the CBE-JU programme for funding collaborative biomass research in Europe, were successful. These projects will provide an additional funding of €1.5m to Celignis and build on our achievements in other CBE and EU projects. In particular, the projects are all at enhanced TRLs (6/7) and will use our existing Celignis Bioprocess infrastructure and will also fund further development of our bioprocessing capacities and the Bioprocess Development Services we offer our clients.
Details on the funded projects are provided below:
BIONEER - This project was funded under CBE-JU topic IA-06 and focuses on the TRL 6/7 production of biobased platform chemicals. Celignis's activities in the project focus on scaling up the work undertaken in our ongoing
Celignis to Exhibit and Present at Major Biochar Event
The 2024 North American Biochar Conference will take place in Sacramento, California, on Feb 12-15
On Feb 12-15 we'll be exhibiting at the 2024 North American Biochar Conference, taking place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Centre in Sacramento, California.
We're looking forward to interacting with the 1000+ expected attendees, outlining our extensive range of analytical and application testing services for biochar.
Celignis CIO Lalitha Gottumukkala will also be a member of the expert panel focused on developing improved laboratory methods for biochar characterisation.
This Networking Event Will Involve Discussions on Collaborations for Proposals to the 2024 CBE-JU Topics
The Circular Bioeconomy Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) is an organisation that funds biomass research in Europe at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Since 2016 Celignis has been an active participant in a number of projects funded by the CBE-JU.
The Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC) is the steering committee that helps to steer the focus of research for the CBE-JU programme. In 2023 Celignis joined the BIC as a Full Industry Member and participated in several proposals submitted for different research topics in the CBE-JU's 2023 Work Programme.
We're Hiring - Business Administration & Client Relationship Manager
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships.
Situated in Limerick, Ireland, Celignis currently operates at two centres, Celignis Analytical and Celignis Bioprocess, actively engaging in a variety of private and public bioeconomy projects. As we continue to expand, we're looking to strengthen our team of 14 with a Business Administration and Client Relationship Manager who can bring a blend of enthusiasm and expertise.
This position will involve working closely with senior management, fostering existing and new client relationships, and ensuring successful delivery of our services, playing a key role in our ongoing growth and success.
Celignis to Sponsor and Present at Major Biochar Event
The event takes place on May 3rd at Carrick-on-Shannon
We are pleased to announce that, on May 3rd, Celignis will be presenting and exhibiting at the National Biochar and Carbon Products Conference 2023, which is taking place in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrm, Ireland.
This conference is being organised under the auspices of the Interreg Northwest Europe-funded THREE C Project, entitled 'Creating and sustaining Charcoal value chains to promote a Circular Carbon economy in NWE Europe'.
The conference will highlight both Irish stakeholders who are currently working in the biochar and carbon products sector, but also partners from the THREE C project (covering Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, France and Wales, as well as Ireland) who have interesting stories and products to share.
Thanks for contacting us. One of our representatives will be in contact with you shortly regarding your inquiry. If you ever have any questions that require immediate assistance, please call us at +353 61 371 725.
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