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Apocarotenoids

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Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body

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Abstract

Apocarotenoids are organic compounds which are derived from carotenoids by oxidative cleavage, catalyzed by carotenoid oxygenases i.e. abscisic acid, retinol, retinoids, retinal and retinoic acid. They have significant role in nutrition as a source of vitamin A, and lend protection against chronic diseases such as, arthritis, cardiovascular disorders and cancer etc. Major dietary source of provitamin A are β-carotene. This chapter describe recent developments in 4 areas: (1): Biosynthesis of apocarotenoids, (2) apocarotenoids in mammals and foods (3) biological functions of apocarotenoids and (4) health benefits of apocarotenoids. Apocarotenoids are responsible for flavor, taste, aroma and fragrance of flowers and foods. Important component of the apocarotenoids is saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas. The saffron apocarotenoids are responsible for the biological activities, so this chapter illustrates its health promoting attributes and applications of saffron, as an antioxidant and an effective chemotherapeutic agent for the prevention and management of various disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Madiha Ilyas

  2. Department of Haematology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    Faraz Ali Rana

  3. Department of Pharmacy, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir (U), Pakistan

    Muhammad Riaz

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  1. Madiha Ilyas
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  2. Faraz Ali Rana
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  3. Muhammad Riaz
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  1. Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan

    Muhammad Zia-Ul-Haq

  2. Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India

    Saikat Dewanjee

  3. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir Upper, Pakistan

    Muhammad Riaz

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Ilyas, M., Rana, F.A., Riaz, M. (2021). Apocarotenoids. In: Zia-Ul-Haq, M., Dewanjee, S., Riaz, M. (eds) Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46459-2_4

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