Characterization of Microalgal Carotenoids by Mass Spectrometry and Their Bioavailability and Antioxidant Properties Elucidated in Rat Model

Ranga Rao, A. and Raghunath Reddy, R. L. and Baskaran, V. and Sarada, R. and Ravishankar, G. A. (2010) Characterization of Microalgal Carotenoids by Mass Spectrometry and Their Bioavailability and Antioxidant Properties Elucidated in Rat Model. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58 (15). pp. 8553-8559.

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Abstract

Of the total carotenoids in respective algal samples, β-carotene in Spirulina platensis was 69.5%, astaxanthin and its esters in Haematococcus pluvialis was 81.38%, and lutein in Botryococcus braunii was 74.6%. The carotenoids were characterized by mass spectrometry. A time-course study of carotenoids in rats after administration of microalgal biomass showed peak levels in plasma, liver, and eyes at 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively. β-Carotene accumulation in Spirulina-fed rats was maximum in eye tissues at 6 h. Similarly, levels of astaxanthin and lutein in Haematococcusand Botryococcus-fed rats were also maximal in eye tissues. Astaxanthin from H. pluvialis showed better bioavailability than β-carotene and lutein. The antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and TBARS were significantly high in plasma at 2 h and in liver at 4 h, evidently offering protection from free radicals. This study implies that microalgae can be a good source of carotenoids of high bioavailability and nutraceutical value.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Spirulina; Haematococcus; Botryococcus; carotenoids; bioavailability; antioxidant enzymes
Subjects:	500 Natural Sciences and Mathematics > 07 Life Sciences > 04 Microbiology > 04 Fungi 600 Technology > 08 Food technology > 32 Antioxidants
Divisions:	Plant Cell Biotechnology
Depositing User:	Food Sci. & Technol. Information Services
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2010 06:39
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2011 10:17
URI:	http://ir.cftri.res.in/id/eprint/9668

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