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Vitamin A (retinol) is an essential dietary compound with myriad metabolic and regulatory functions. Deficiency can result in vision problems, compromised immune responses, and a host of other medical issues. More than 600 carotenoids have been identified in plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria, and around 50 carotenoids-includingcarotene-can be co

Carotenoids are of great interest due to their essential biological functions in both plants and animals. However, the properties and functions of carotenoids in natural systems are surprisingly complex. With an emphasis on the chemical aspects of these compounds, Carotenoids: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Functions and Properties presents a b

More than twenty years after the idea of this Carotenoids book series was first discussed, we finally reach the end of the project with Volume 5, which covers the functions and actions of carotenoids in human nutrition and health. In 1971, in Isler's book Carotenoids, functions of carotenoids and vitamin A were covered in just two chapters. Now, thanks to technical developments and multidisciplinary approaches that make it possible to study functional processes in great detail, this subject is the most rapidly expanding area of carotenoid research, and occupies two full volumes, Volumes 4: Natural Functions and 5: Nutrition and Health. Although Volume 5 can be used as a single stand-alone volume, the two were planned as companion volumes to be used together. To understand the mechanisms of functions and actions of carotenoids, including how carotenoids may be involved in maintaining human health, requires understanding of the underlying principles, which are presented in the first part of Volume 4. The general philosophy and strategy of the series, to have expert authors review and analyse critically a particular topic and present information and give guidance on practical strategies and procedures is maintained in Volumes 4 and 5. It is also the aim that these publications should be useful for both experienced carotenoid researchers and newcomers to the field.

Twenty years after the idea of this Carotenoids book series was first discussed, we are finally reaching the end of the project. Carotenoids Volumes 4 and 5 now move us into the great field of biology, and cover the functions of carotenoids and the actions of carotenoids in nutrition and health. In the classic 1971 Isler book Carotenoids, carotenoid functions were covered in just one chapter. Now, thanks to technical developments and multidisciplinary approaches that make it possible to study functional processes in great detail, this subject is the most rapidly expanding area of carotenoid research, and occupies two full volumes. These can be used as stand-alone books, but they are really planned to be used together and to complete the coverage of the carotenoid field begun in earlier volumes, as the final part of a coordinated series. The general philosophy and strategy of the series, to have expert authors review, analyse and present information and give guidance on practical strategies and procedures is maintained in Volumes 4 and 5, though the subject matter does not lend itself to the kind of detailed Worked Examples that were featured in earlier volumes. It has also been the aim that these publications should be useful for both experienced carotenoid researchers and newcomers to the field.

Carotenoids — 5 is a collection of papers presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Carotenoids held in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 23-28, 1978. The symposium focuses on advances that have been made in understanding carotenoids, including their chemistry, biochemistry, and stereochemistry as well as biosynthesis and biological functions. Topics covered include the industrial applications of carotenoids; synthesis of polyenes via phosphonium ylids; biological functions of vitamin A in normal and transformed tissues; and enzymatic synthesis of carotenes. This volume is comprised of 18 chapters and begins with a review of carotenoid research undertaken over the years in the areas of separation, synthesis, and physical and chemical analysis and further significant advances that are to be expected in the future. The reader is then introduced to the development of the industrial manufacture of carotenoids and vitamin A by isolation and by synthesis, with special emphasis on the use of carotenoids as a preferred class of coloring matters for food and feed. The following chapters explore the progress in carotenoid characterization, chemistry, structures, chemical transformations, and stereochemistry; synthesis of optically active carotenoids and related compounds, carotenoid glycosylesters, and other carotenoids; and genetics and regulation of carotene biosynthesis. The final chapter describes a number of approaches to synthesis of canthaxanthin. This book will be a useful resource for chemists and biochemists.

Carotenoids Other Than Vitamin A-III represents the plenary lectures presented at the Third International Symposium on Carotenoids other than Vitamin A held at Cluj, Romania in September 1972. The book is a collection of lecture papers on a wide range of topic concerning carotenoids. Several papers deal with such topics as carotene biosynthesis in fungi, studies of carotenoid biosynthesis in bacteria, and an investigation of the violaxanthin cycle. The text also contains research papers focusing on photoregulated carotenoid biosynthesis in non-photosynthetic microorganisms, structure of carotenoids, and studies on carotenoids and related compounds. Chemists and pharmacologists will find the book insightful and interesting.

Carotenoid Chemistry and Biochemistry covers the proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Carotenoids, held in Liverpool, United Kingdome on July 26-31, 1981. This symposium highlights the interest in biochemical and biological aspects of carotenes. This book is organized into 25 chapters including chapters on carotenoid chemistry, their structures, synthesis and physical methods, with emphasis on their stereochemistry. Other chapters deal with the chemistry of complexes between carotenoids or retinoids and protein, the novel blue carotenoproteins, and the visual pigments and the nutritionally important retinol-binding proteins. The discussions then shift to animal carotenoids, carotenoid metabolism and transformations, including interesting stereochemical findings. This book also reviews studies of carotenoids in photosynthesis, the industrial importance of carotenoids, medical aspects, particularly the use of carotenoids in treatment against skin photosensitivity and their possible role in protection against cancer. The remaining chapters examine the effects of chemicals on carotenoid biosynthesis and its relevance to herbicide design. This book will be of value to carotenoid scientists and researchers.