Eye disorders and nutraceuticals
Healthy lifestyle with a diet containing foods rich in antioxidants, such as n?3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin appears beneficial for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). High content of polyphenolic flavonoids in nutraceuticals have been shown to possess antioxidant activity. Herbs or herbal extracts, such as green tea, Allium spp., Vitamins C and E, polyphenols, carotenoids (mainly lycopene and ?-carotene), and coenzyme Q10 possess antioxidant properties and are effective in AMD.
Astaxanthin is an important naturally occurring carotenoid in the marine world such as sea bream, salmon, trout, and shrimps. It possesses a number of essential biological functions such as protecting against oxidation process, protecting against ultraviolet light effects, immune response and pigmentation, in aquatic animals. It is also a very potent antioxidant. Astaxanthin offers powerful protection for the eyes and prevents macular degeneration. Astaxanthin protects the heart from oxidative damage, protects the nervous system from degenerative diseases like AD and boosts immune system function.
Lutein is a carotenoid which is found in many vegetables and fruits including sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, tomatoes, mangoes, corn, and leafy greens such as kale andcollards. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are used for the treatment of visual disorders. Food sources of zeaxanthin, include egg yolks, corn, green vegetables and fruits, such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, broccoli, green beans, green peas, lettuce, kiwi, collard greens, spinach, and honeydew lutein and zeaxanthin also occur in plants in the form of mono- and diesters of fatty acids. A new source of these carotenoids is marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) that contains approximately 86% by weight of the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein.