Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are yellow-to-red pigments found in all green plant tissues and in some species of algae. So far 21 different carotenoids have been found in human blood. The most abundant ones are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. A molecule of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, or cryptoxanthin can be split into two molecules of vitamin A in the body but the conversion of beta-carotene is by far the most effective. They are very effective in neutralizing a highly reactive for of oxygen called singlet oxygen. Low levels of beta-carotene in their blood have a higher incidence of heart disease and cancer, particularly lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute endorsed a study which found that Beta carotene lower chance of getting cancer, including breast cancer.

Natural beta carotene have been used not only as a bountiful source of Vitamin A but also for reducing cholesterol and lipid levels, protection against strokes and cataracts, enhancing the immune system, preventing certain photo sensitivity disorders, improving antioxidant action and intra cellular communication, quenching singlet oxygen and dramatically reducing stress.

National Cancer Institute released the results of two large studies designed to put the benefits of beta-carotene supplements to the test. It is also possible that a beta-carotene supplement derived from natural sources and formulated so as to preserve the normal carotene ratio in the blood of benefit for people at high risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Samudra producing natural Beta-carotene consists of two isomers. One is all trans isomer and other is 9 cis. In experiments, Ben-Amotz found that the natural 9-cis is the potent antioxidant that rapidly quenches free radicals. It gives natural beta-carotene a powerful advantage over the synthetic.

More recent research suggests that beta-carotene's prevention effect is due to its antioxidant property. It is extremely useful in the immune enhancement, mental functioning, arthritis and prostate cancer.

Beta carotene from the mixed carotenoids from Dunaliella salina, as produce by Samudra Biopharma, in a standard serving of 27 mgs is expected to contain the following: -

Alpha carotene - 790 mcg.
Beta-carotene - 25 mg (equivalent to 41700 IU Vitamin A)
Zeaxanthin - 190 mcg.
Cryptoxanthin - 200 mcg.
Lutein - 140 mcg.

This therefore is not only equivalent to over four times the maximum recommended daily in take of vit. A, but is obviously harmless as body stores the vitamin A in the form of the non-toxic Beta-carotene. In addition, the body also gets the additional advantages of other carotenes.

Beta-carotene is used in foods to provide color. Beta-carotene is sometimes added to products for its anti-oxidant effects, to keep fats from going rancid. It is sometimes added to foods or vitamin supplements as a nutrient. The long chains of conjugated double bonds that give the carotene strong color. It can mop up oxygen free radicals and dissipate their energy.

Specification of Beta Carotene

POLY CAROTENE 30%

POLY CAROTENE 30% is an opaque reddish vegetable oil suspension of naturally occurring mixture of carotenoids extracted and concentrated from the green alga Dunailiella salina.

It is a crystalline substance, C40H56, that is the main pigment of certain fruits, as the tomato and paprika, and is a precursor to carotene in plant biosynthesis.

Lycopene fight destructive "free radicals." Lycopene prevents oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common form of blindness for elderly people. Lycopene is the only micronutrient whose serum level shown to be inversely related to the risk of ARMD. Lycopene was found to induce the formation of the protein connexin 43, one of the major building blocks of these channels, and thereby to restore gap junctions. Lycopene induces Phase II enzymes, which help to eliminate carcinogens and toxins from the body.

The change of the levels of so many regulatory proteins is related to lycopene’s ability to modulate various transcription factors which are key players in the process of new cellular protein synthesis.
At Samudra we extract Lycopene from tomato. This Lycopene from tomato is absorbed in body at a best level as compare to other. The indigenous technology of Samudra maintains the natural Lycopene as such and due to heat action during extraction it becomes more effective.

Specification of Lycopene

Product Name: Lycopene/ Tomato oleoresin

Plant Origin: Lycopersicon esculentum
Molecular formula: open-chain unsaturated carotenoid
Specification: 6% / 10% HPLC oil.
Action: Lycopene is an open-chain unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red color to tomatoes, guava, rosehip, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Lycopene is a proven antioxidant.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are xanthophylls, which belong to carotenoid pigment family consisting of more than 600 members. Zeaxanthin occurs in most lutein preparations (extracts) as a minor constituent. Zeaxanthin shares health benefits with lutein and can be either taken from food or produced in our body from lutein by biochemical conversion.

Recent studies also indicate that lutein is likely to be preventive of eyes from other diseases such as cataract. (Chasan-Taber L, et al.1999) and glaucoma, and other body parts from lung cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

Lutein acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Lutein is not made in the body. Lutein must be obtained from food or vitamin supplements.
Lutein may exist in the form of free or esterified form, in which case it gets converted in the body to free Lutein.

Lutein is present in the eye, serum, skin; cervix, brain and breast. Emerging science suggests that lutein may also play a role in cardiovascular health and skin health.
In terms of skin health, lutein, in addition to absorbing harmful blue-light from the visible light spectrum, may act as an antioxidant against the two major environmental assaults commonly encountered as a result of today's active lifestyle. These assaults are free radicals created in the skin as a result of exposure to environmental pollutants and the damaging effects that exposure to light has upon the skin, especially ultraviolet light.

Lutein production at Samudra Biopharma

At Samudra, Lutein is extracted from marigold (Tagetus eructa). Marigold is considered the best natural source of Lutein.
The typical carotenoids profile is as follows

All trans-Lutein (free Lutein plus Lutein esters) 93.0 %
Cis-lutein 0.3 %
All trans Zeaxanthin 5.4%
Beta cryptoxanthin 0.3%
Other carotenoids 1.0%

Lutein Esters and zeaxanthin esters extracted from marigold flower are a rich, safe and natural source of lutein. Lutein and zeaxanthin esters are readily broken down (hydrolyzed) in the digestive track so that lutein and zeaxanthin can be absorbed easily.

Product Profile

Marigold extract when checked on a silica gel TLC system with hexane -acetone (7:3) as a solvent system, showed 3 major and 3 minor compounds the following Rf values.

UV/VIS Spectrum of SBPL Lutein: agrees with standard Lutein spectrum

HPLC of the Lutein (converted to free Lutein)
Lutein from our product is analyzed after extracting with THF to convert all forms.

Specification of Lutein:

Product Name: Lutein/ Marigold oleoresin
Specification: 6% / 10% HPLC oil
Lutein is a nutritional supplement derived from marigold flower petals. It is part of xanthophyll family. Lutein is antioxidant, also used as coloring agent.