Figure 5 of
Winkler, Mol Vis 1999;
5:32.
Figure 5. Basic properties and structures of carotenoids
Basic properties of the macular carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin; the structures of the macular carotenoids are shown with other carotenoids for comparison.
* Absorb blue light, protective against short wavelength visible light
* Quench singlet oxygen
* Quench triplet state of photosensitizers
* Inhibit autoxidation of lipids
* ß-carotene, an effective antioxidant at low P O2; assume same for macular carotenoids
* Undergo autoxidation
* Small amount of oxidation products detected in normal human and monkey retinas