Study on the synergistic antioxidant activity of lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are major carotenoids in human eyes.They have very good effects to prevent eye disease.In this paper, antioxidant activity of lutein and zeaxanthin in vivo and in vitro were discussed, which provided a theoretical basis for the development of composite carotenoids products. Antioxidant activities of lutein and zeaxanthin in vitro were measured by methods including DPPH radical scavenging system, FRAP and ORAC.Synergistic antioxidant activities of lutein and zeaxanthin in vivo were studied by the establishment of ethanol oxidation damage model using ICR mice.The results showed that the ratio of lutein and zeaxanthin 1∶ 2 had excellent antioxidant effect in vitro, while 2 ∶ 1 had poor effect. Group of lutein/zeaxanthin 1 ∶ 2showed stronger antioxidant activities in vivo.