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

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 carotenoi...

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Published in:Journal of agricultural and food chemistry 2010-08, Vol.58 (15), p.8553-8559
Main Authors: Ranga Rao, A, Raghunath Reddy, R. L, Baskaran, V, Sarada, R, Ravishankar, G. A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal models
Animals
antioxidant activity
Antioxidants - analysis
Antioxidants - pharmacokinetics
Bioactive Constituents
bioavailability
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Availability
carotenoids
Carotenoids - analysis
Carotenoids - pharmacokinetics
Chlorophyta - chemistry
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Food industries
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Male
Mass Spectrometry
microalgae
nutrient content
nutritive value
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Spirulina - chemistry
Tissue Distribution
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary: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 Haematococcus- and 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.
ISSN:0021-8561
1520-5118
DOI:10.1021/jf101187k