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Details

Stereochemistry ABSOLUTE
Molecular Formula C40H56O2
Molecular Weight 568.8714
Optical Activity UNSPECIFIED
Defined Stereocenters 2 / 2
E/Z Centers 9
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of ZEAXANTHIN

SMILES

CC(\C=C\C=C(C)\C=C\C1=C(C)C[C@@H](O)CC1(C)C)=C/C=C/C=C(C)/C=C/C=C(C)/C=C/C2=C(C)C[C@@H](O)CC2(C)C

InChI

InChIKey=JKQXZKUSFCKOGQ-QAYBQHTQSA-N
InChI=1S/C40H56O2/c1-29(17-13-19-31(3)21-23-37-33(5)25-35(41)27-39(37,7)8)15-11-12-16-30(2)18-14-20-32(4)22-24-38-34(6)26-36(42)28-40(38,9)10/h11-24,35-36,41-42H,25-28H2,1-10H3/b12-11+,17-13+,18-14+,23-21+,24-22+,29-15+,30-16+,31-19+,32-20+/t35-,36-/m1/s1

HIDE SMILES / InChI
Molecular Formula C40H56O2
Molecular Weight 568.8714
Charge 0
Count
Stereochemistry ABSOLUTE
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 2 / 2
E/Z Centers 9
Optical Activity UNSPECIFIED

Description

Zeaxanthin is one of the most common carotenoid alcohols found in nature. It is synthesized in plants and some micro-organisms. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in the macula of the human retina, as well as the human crystalline lens. They play a role in protection against age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataract formation. The antioxidant properties of lutein and zeaxanthin together with ocular antioxidants (selenium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, C, E, etc.) inhibit free radical damage caused by light and oxygen. Zeaxanthin supplements are typically taken on the supposition of supporting eye health. It is is Generally Recognized As Safe by FDA.

Approval Year

2014
503
Targets

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
Inhibitor
8504
Inhibitor
8504
Conditions

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Palliative
Approved
8583
Lutemax 2020

Approved Use

Supports visual health and acuity by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Primary
Phase III
665
Unknown

Approved Use

Unknown
Primary
Phase III
665
Unknown

Approved Use

Unknown
Cmax

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
0.033 μM
EXPERIMENT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002805/
0.58 μmol 1 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 0.58 μmol
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered: LUTEIN
LUTEIN
 ZEAXANTHIN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FED
0.113 μM
EXPERIMENT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002805/
2.31 μmol 1 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 2.31 μmol
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered: LUTEIN
LUTEIN
 ZEAXANTHIN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FED
AUC

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
0.655 μM × h
EXPERIMENT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002805/
0.58 μmol 1 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 0.58 μmol
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered: LUTEIN
LUTEIN
 ZEAXANTHIN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FED
2.476 μM × h
EXPERIMENT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002805/
2.31 μmol 1 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 2.31 μmol
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered: LUTEIN
LUTEIN
 ZEAXANTHIN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FED
T1/2

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
5.51 day
EXPERIMENT
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002805/
2.31 μmol 1 times / day multiple, oral
dose: 2.31 μmol
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: MULTIPLE
co-administered: LUTEIN
LUTEIN
 ZEAXANTHIN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FED
Doses

Doses

DosePopulationAdverse events​
20 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Highest studied dose
Dose: 20 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 20 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28079755/
unhealthy, ADULT
Health Status: unhealthy
Age Group: ADULT
Sex: M+F
Food Status: UNKNOWN
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28079755/
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28079755/
Overview

Overview

CYP3A4CYP2C9CYP2D6hERG
inducer
1087
inhibitor
2438
inhibitor
2507
inhibitor
2217

OverviewOther

Other InhibitorOther SubstrateOther Inducer
CYP2B6
926

CYP2C8
1057

CYP2C19
2057

CYP2E1
1060

CYP3A4/5
296

UGT1A1
246

UGT1A3
89

UGT1A4
98

UGT1A6
136

UGT1A9
148

UGT2B7
197

UGT2B15
84

CYP19A1
429

CYP1A2
2153

P-gp
1741

CYP2A6
879
P-gp
2052
Drug as perpetrator​

Drug as perpetrator​

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
CYP19A1
430
 inconclusive [IC50 33.4915 uM]
UGT1A1
303
 likely [IC50 >50 uM]
UGT1A3
99
 likely [IC50 >50 uM]
CYP1A2
2333
 no
CYP2A6
911
 no
CYP2B6
1160
 no
CYP2C19
2141
 no
CYP2C8
1117
 no
CYP2C9
2497
 no
CYP2D6
2546
 no
CYP2E1
1146
 no
CYP3A4
2633
 no
UGT1A4
100
 unlikely [IC50 >50 uM]
UGT1A6
171
 unlikely [IC50 >50 uM]
UGT1A9
155
 unlikely [IC50 >50 uM]
UGT2B15
84
 unlikely [IC50 >50 uM]
UGT2B7
210
 unlikely [IC50 >50 uM]
CYP3A4/5
357
 weak [IC50 15.5 uM]
P-gp
1932
 yes [IC50 36.65 uM]
Drug as victim

Drug as victim

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
P-gp
2052
 inconclusive
Tox targets

Tox targets

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
hERG
2263
PubMed

PubMed

TitleDatePubMed
A mitochondrial enzyme degrades carotenoids and protects against oxidative stress.
2011-03
A 12-wk egg intervention increases serum zeaxanthin and macular pigment optical density in women.
2006-10
Hydrolysis of zeaxanthin esters by carboxyl ester lipase during digestion facilitates micellarization and uptake of the xanthophyll by Caco-2 human intestinal cells.
2006-03
Serum levels of macular carotenoids in relation to age-related maculopathy: the Muenster Aging and Retina Study (MARS).
2005-10
Synergistic effects of zeaxanthin and its binding protein in the prevention of lipid membrane oxidation.
2005-05-30
Identification and characterization of a Pi isoform of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) as a zeaxanthin-binding protein in the macula of the human eye.
2004-11-19
Non-nutritive bioactive constituents of plants: lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
2003-03
An efficient conversion of (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein to (3R,3'S,6'R)-lutein (3'-epilutein) and (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin.
2003-01
The body of evidence to support a protective role for lutein and zeaxanthin in delaying chronic disease. Overview.
2002-03
Relation among serum and tissue concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin and macular pigment density.
2000-06
Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in rod outer segment membranes from perifoveal and peripheral human retina.
2000-04
Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation with egg yolk.
1999-08
Identification of lutein and zeaxanthin oxidation products in human and monkey retinas.
1997-08
Density of the human crystalline lens is related to the macular pigment carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin.
1997-07
Distribution of lutein and zeaxanthin stereoisomers in the human retina.
1997-02
Patents

Patents

JP2000069986A
1
JP2000143688A
1
JP2000217572A
1
JP2001002566A
1
JP2001025395A
1
JP2001025396A
1
JP2001352995A
3
JP2002541193A
2
JP2003033152A
1
JP2004026720A
2
JP2004107314A
2
JP2004147506A
9
JP2004187566A
1
JP2005087097A
1
JP2005087099A
1
JP2005087100A
1
JP2005124485A
4
JP2005529885A
2
JP2006169125A
1
JP2006516396A
1
JP2007151474A
2
JP2007151475A
2
JP2007176814A
2
JP2007181451A
2
JP2007514679A
2
JP2007516697A
9
JP2007521274A
3
JP2008011824A
2
JP2008022703A
1
JP2008125511A
1
JP2008127505A
1
JP2008156349A
1
JP2008239609A
3
JP2008303166A
1
JP2009173597A
2
JP2009179628A
4
JP2009524576A
2
JP2010064984A
2
JP2010159276A
1
JP2010254687A
1
JP2010540729A
11
JP2010540730A
6
JP2011512798A
9
JP2011526486A
6
JP2014198706A
7
JP3302999B2
1
JP4601549B2
19
JP4651946B2
3
JP4659757B2
3
JP4773337B2
2
JP4834290B2
3

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
Dietary Supplement: Lutein/zeaxanthin 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin (1 tablet)
Route of Administration: Oral
In Vitro Use Guide
Zeaxanthin at 50-150 uM significantly inhibited the expression of VEGF and accumulation of HIF-1α protein caused by hypoxia but did not affect expression of VEGF and HIF-1α under normoxic conditions.in the primary culture of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.
Substance Class Chemical
Created
by admin
on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
Edited
by admin
on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
Record UNII
CV0IB81ORO
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version
  • Download
Name Type Language
E 161H
Preferred Name English
ZEAXANTHIN
INCI   MART.   MI   VANDF   WHO-DD  
INCI  
Official Name English
INS NO.161H(I)
Code English
ANCHOVYXANTHIN
Common Name English
(3R,3'R)-DIHYDROXY-.BETA.-CAROTENE
Common Name English
OPTISHARP
Common Name English
ZEAXANTHOL
Common Name English
ZEAXANTHIN / (3R,3'R) - ZEAXANTHIN (CONSTITUENT OF AZTEC MARIGOLD ZEAXANTHIN EXTRACT) [DSC]
Common Name English
LUTEINOFTA
Common Name English
ZEAXANTHIN [VANDF]
Common Name English
E-161H(I)
Code English
Zeaxanthin [WHO-DD]
Common Name English
ZEAXANTHIN [MART.]
Common Name English
INS-161H(I)
Code English
AZTEC MARIGOLD ZEAXANTHIN EXTRACT [USP-RS]
Common Name English
ZEAXANTHIN [MI]
Common Name English
ZEAGOLD
Common Name English
XANTHOPHYLL 3
Common Name English
Classification Tree Code System Code
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS (GSFA) INS-161H(I)
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
JECFA EVALUATION INS-161H(I)
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
DSLD 2326 (Number of products:1137)
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
NCI_THESAURUS C68307
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
Code System Code Type Description
GRAS Notification (GRN No.)
639
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
PUBCHEM
5280899
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
RXCUI
39918
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY RxNorm
CAS
144-68-3
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
ECHA (EC/EINECS)
205-636-4
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
WIKIPEDIA
ZEAXANTHIN
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
CHEBI
27547
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
SMS_ID
100000085226
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
NCI_THESAURUS
C68310
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
RS_ITEM_NUM
1733122
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
GRAS Notification (GRN No.)
588
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
MERCK INDEX
m11586
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY Merck Index
DRUG BANK
DB11176
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
DAILYMED
CV0IB81ORO
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EVMPD
SUB21930
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
FDA UNII
CV0IB81ORO
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
EPA CompTox
DTXSID5046807
Created by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025 , Edited by admin on Mon Mar 31 18:15:38 GMT 2025
PRIMARY
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