In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Modulatory Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Retinal Antioxidant and Lipofuscin Levels
Ashok Godavarthi1★, Seul A. Seo2, Sang Hyun Park2, Soo-Hyeon Heo2, H.N. Shivaprasad3★ Corresponding author
- 1Radiant Research Services Pvt. Ltd., Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.
- 2Cell Green Biolab Co., Ltd., Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, SOUTH KOREA.
- 3R&D, Botanic Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., TSIIC Industrial Development Area, Hyderabad, Telangana, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Ashok Godavarthi
Radiant Research Services Pvt. Ltd., Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.
Received: 04-11-2024; Accepted: 14-01-2025.
Volume 21, Issue 4 · pp. 1487–1499 · PUBLISHED 2025 · DOI: 10.1177/09731296251317254
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ABSTRACT
Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major leading irreversible reasons for severe blindness in the aged population. Oxidative stress is said to be a leading cause of AMD and is very progressive in the major areas of the retina. The antioxidant nature of the macular pigments (MPs) and their position in the retina is believed to be responsible for minimizing the effect of AMD. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Gleamax/VividawnTM containing lutein and zeaxanthin for its protective role against ultraviolet (UV)-induced stress in retinal cells in vitro and evaluating the benefits of eye health by evaluating the cell proliferation, cytoprotection as well as the measurement of lipofuscin (LPF) levels. Materials and Methods: Human ARPE-19 cell lines were cultured and tested for cytotoxicity with Gleamax/VividawnTM samples. The cytoprotective activity of the Gleamax/VividawnTM was measured by the absorbance value over 72 h in comparison to the absorbance of irradiated and non-irradiated cell control. LPF was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) levels were estimated by the Bradford method. In vivo studies in C57BL/6 mice, 14 animals were nurtured with a rich fat diet for 2 weeks to boost obesity, and other animals of the standard control group (G1) received a normal chow diet for 2 weeks. The first group served as a normal control, the second group functioned as a high-fat diet (HFD) control, and the third group was a treatment group that received Gleamax/ VividawnTM at 6.2 mg/kg physique weight of the animals per orally daily for consecutive 60 days. Statistical Analysis Used: The experimental data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s test between the treatment and control groups. Results: Lutein, with a combination of zeaxanthin supplementation, improves the dysfunction in the central retina, obtaining benefits in terms of visual activity (VA) and glare sensitivity. In this study, standard control (G1) and HFD-fed animals (G2) were observed with below limit of quantification (BLOQ) levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in plasma. However, Gleamax/ VividawnTM treated group (G3) animals were found to have significantly elevated levels of lutein and zeaxanthin levels. Conclusion: Gleamax/VividawnTM is a unique formula comprising lutein and zeaxanthin, known for its defensive act against oxidative stress; it is also the only dietary carotenoid that can accumulate in the retina, especially in the macula region.
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Godavarthi, A., Seo, S. A., Park, S. H., Heo, S., & Shivaprasad, H. (2025). In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of Modulatory Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Retinal Antioxidant and Lipofuscin Levels. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 21(4), 1487–1499. https://doi.org/10.1177/09731296251317254
