beta-cryptoxanthin

Beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX) is a naturally occurring oxygenated carotenoid (xanthophyll) and provitamin A precursor found in various fruits and vegetables, including tangerines, red peppers, and pumpkins. It acts as a potent antioxidant and exerts its biological effects primarily through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which mitigates oxidative stress, and the modulation of retinoic acid receptors (RAR) following its bioconversion into retinoids. BCX has been investigated for its potential therapeutic and preventive roles in metabolic and degenerative conditions such as diabetic kidney disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, osteoporosis, and pancreatic cancer. While it is widely available as a dietary supplement and has been the subject of clinical research by the Institute for Human Development and Potential (IHDP) and DSM Nutritional Products, it is not currently approved as a pharmaceutical drug.

Other names

BCXβ-cryptoxanthin(3R)-beta,beta-caroten-3-ol