Neoxanthin

phytochemicalxanthophyll

What is it

Neoxanthin (C40H56O4) is an allenic xanthophyll carotenoid concentrated in the light-harvesting complex of green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, parsley) where it participates in photosynthesis and photoprotection. Among carotenoids it is structurally unusual in carrying an allene bond (C=C=C) and is the biosynthetic precursor of plant abscisic acid.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Apoptosis of prostate cancer cell lines

Limited

In vitro studies show neoxanthin induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells; no human trials.

Antioxidant capacity

Limited

Neoxanthin quenches singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals in vitro; clinical relevance at dietary doses unclear.

Photoprotection precursor

Mixed

Plant-side photoprotective role is well established; mammalian benefits are extrapolative and not directly evidenced.

Dosage

Neoxanthin is consumed via leafy greens; spinach contains ~10-30 mg/100 g. Isolated neoxanthin supplements are not commercially established; doses in animal studies have been ~5-50 mg/kg.

Safety

No safety signals at dietary intakes from leafy vegetables. Isolated high-dose pharmacology is unstudied in humans, and the allene moiety is chemically labile, so degradation products may form during storage.

References

  • Wikidata: Neoxanthin — Wikidata link
  • ChEBI: Neoxanthin (25501) — ChEBI link
  • PubChem: Neoxanthin (4481261) — PubChem link
  • DSLD: Neoxanthin — NIH DSLD link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.