Anti-stress Effect of beta-Cryptoxanthin in Satsuma Mandarin Orange on Females

摘要

Beta-cryptoxanthin (beta-CRX, (3R)-beta, beta-caroten-3-ol) is an oxygenated carotenoid and a potent antioxidant that is abundant in Satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshiu MARC.), which is the most popular fruit in Japan. Since our preliminary data suggested that the ingestion of beta-CRX had an anti-stress effect in female participants, the effect was evaluated in another set of female participants. The study design was a double-blind group comparison and participants (n =23) were randomly assigned to beta-CRX-rich orange juice or placebo (beta-CRX was removed from orange juice) groups. beta-CRX or placebo juice (125 mL, after breakfast) were consumed from 1 week prior to pharmacy practice and continued for 5d into the practice period. Salivary alpha-amylase activity (sAA), a marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning in the placebo-group during pharmacy practice, but not in the beta-CRX-group. This result supports the anti-stress effect of beta-CRX. The dose-dependency of beta-CRX was observed in male mice that were loaded with stress. These results indicate that the ingestion of beta-CRX is helpful to reduce stress.