title: Photoprotection by carotenoids.
abstract: Carotenoid pigments have been found to have a protective function against photosensitization in green plants. This protective ability has been exploited in the administration of high doses of beta-carotene to patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria to ameliorate the photosensitivity associated with this disease. The carotenoids seem to exert their light-protective function by quenching excited species such as singlet oxygen and free radicals.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000528:radiation effects; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids