Capsanthin, a Plant-Derived Xanthophyll: a Review of Pharmacology and Delivery Strategies

Capsanthin, a brightly orange-red-coloured pigment responsible for the peculiar red colour of paprika fruits (Capsicum annuum), belongs to xanthophylls, a class of oxygen-containing carotenoids. The characteristic chemical structure of capsanthin containing a keto group in conjunction with a long chain of 11 conjugated dienes is responsible for its strong radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching ability. Chemopreventive, antitumour, skin photo-protective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities demonstrated by capsanthin are a consequence of its potent antioxidant action. Anti-obesity, anti-adipogenic, and antihyperlipidaemic activities are some of the more important features of capsanthin. With natural origin, bright red colour, and array of health benefits, capsanthin has a potential to be translated into a commercial cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and/or pharmaceutical. However, the very low aqueous solubility of capsanthin is responsible for its highly variable and poor oral bioavailability. Moreover, its susceptibility to degradation due to heat, light, oxygen, and moisture poses challenges in the development of stable formulations for this otherwise meritorious compound. The current review presents various pharmacological activities of capsanthin and their underlying mechanisms. The review further discusses hitherto explored formulation strategies to improve solubility and stability of capsanthin.