Phytofluene
Encyclopedia
Phytofluene is a carotenoid
Carotenoid
Carotenoids are tetraterpenoid organic pigments that are naturally occurring in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae, some bacteria, and some types of fungus. Carotenoids can be synthesized fats and other basic organic metabolic building...

 pigment with an orange color found naturally in tomato
Tomato
The word "tomato" may refer to the plant or the edible, typically red, fruit which it bears. Originating in South America, the tomato was spread around the world following the Spanish colonization of the Americas, and its many varieties are now widely grown, often in greenhouses in cooler...

es and other vegetables. It is the second product of carotenoid biosynthesis. It is formed from phytoene
Phytoene
Phytoene is a 40-carbon intermediate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids. The synthesis of phytoene is the committed step in the synthesis of carotenoids in plants. Phytoene is produced from two molecules of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate by the action of the enzyme phytoene synthase...

in a desaturation reaction leading to the formation of five conjugated double bonds. In the following step, addition of carbon-carbon conjugated double bonds leads to the formation of z-carotene and appearance of visible color.

Phytofluene is colorless, with a typical absorption spectra in the UVA range, with maximal absorption at 348 nm and with ε1% of 1557.

Analysis of several fruits and vegetables showed that phytoene and phytofluene are found in majority of fruits and vegetables. In contrast to all other carotenoids, phytoene and phytofluene, the first carotenoid precursors in the biosynthetic pathway of other carotenoids, are colorless and absorb light in the UV range only. It is important to note that dietary phytoene and phytofluene are accumulated in human skin. The accumulation of these colorless carotenoids can potentially protect the skin by several mechanisms: acting as UV absorbers, as antioxidants, as anti inflammatory. The distribution of phytoene and phytofluene in human serum, prostate, and skin suggests that phytoene and phytofluene may be responsible for the carotenoid protective effects observed in beauty and skin applications.

Phytoene and phytofluene were initially discovered as a potent and stable substitutes to pigmented carotenoids to protect the skin via oral and mostly topical application. The colorless carotenoids may be beneficial for health protection and nutritional and beauty applications such as protection against UV and oxidative damage. Several articles summarized their protective activities against UV irradiation and free radicals derived from UV, damage to DNA and collagen, anti-inflammatory and the ability to reduce pigmentation. All of which lead to reduction in pre-mature aging and damaged skin resulting in brighter, younger looking and protected skin.
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