Journal of Medicinal Plants A Review on Biosynthesis, Health Benefits and Extraction Methods of Fucoxanthin, Particular Marine Carotenoids in Algae Irvani N (M.Sc.)1, Hajiaghaee R (Ph.D.)2, Zarekarizi A.R (M.Sc.)2* 1- Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran * Corresponding author: Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran P.O.BOX (Mehr Vila): 31375-369 Tel: +98 - 26 – 34764010-18, Fax: +98 – 26- 34764021 E-mail:
[email protected] Received: 28 June 2017 Accepted: 18 July 2018 Abstract Fucoxanthin, an allenic carotenoid, is abundant in macro and microalgae as a component of the light-harvesting complex for photosynthesis and photo protection. This carotenoid has shown important pharmaceutical bioactivity, exerting antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti- obesity, anti-photoaging, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic effects on a variety of biological models. This carotenoid has been proven to be safe for animal consumption, opening up the opportunity of using this bioactive compound in the treatment of different pathologies. In this paper, an updated account of the research progress in biosynthetic pathway and health benefits of fucoxanthin is presented. Meanwhile, a review on the various methods of extraction of fucoxanthin in macro and microalgae is also revisited. According to these studies providing important background knowledge, fucoxanthin can be utilized into drugs and nutritional products. Keywords: Fucoxanthin, Carotenoids, Biosynthesis pathway, Extraction methods 6 Volume 17, No. 67, Summer 2018 … A Review on Biosynthesis Introduction million species [5]. Microalgae are important Consumer awareness of the importance of a primary producers in marine environments and healthy diet, protection of the environment, play a significant role in supporting aquatic resource sustainability and using all natural animals [6].