Medicinal Plants as Sources of Retina Protective Carotenoids (Lutein, β-carotene) and their Radical Scavenging Property.

The study assesses the Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE), lutein and zeaxanthin, total polyphenols and antioxidant potential of medicinal plants. Amongst plants, the highest levels (mg/100 g dry weight) of β-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin were detected in Centella asiatica, (197.5) and V. aroma (894.6). Interestingly, V. aroma (871, 85), Acacia concinna (587, 65), Centella asiatica (404, 198), Oxalis corniculata (501, 196) and Tinospara cordifolia (417, 120) are rich in β-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin. The RAE (RAE/100 g dry wt.) is higher in A. citratus (9.5), B. diffusa (13.0), C. asiatica (16.5) and V. negundo (10.1) respectively. Total polyphenols were higher in R. officinalis (10.26 mg/g) and B. diffusa (8.07 mg/g). Among plants, R. officinalis, P. amboinicus and B. diffusa, showed highest free-radical scavenging (98%) radical reducing power (73.61%) and inhibition of the peroxidation (33.4%). To conclude, plants having higher levels of RAE and lutein + zeaxanthin can ameliorate vitamin-A deficiency and age-related macular degeneration.