Zeaxanthin (Macular Xanthophyll · Retinal Carotenoid · Eye Protection)
Compiled from published pharmacological and botanical literature. Not independently verified by Herbuno. Spotted an error or have a correction? Flag it below →
| CAS No. | 144-68-3 |
| Class | Carotenoid · Xanthophyll · Dihydroxy Carotenoid |
| Source | Tagetes erecta (Marigold) — flower petals; also sweet corn, egg yolk, wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), saffron |
| Claim strength | High |
| Buy from Herbuno | Zeaxanthin 10% Extract Powder — Tagetes erecta → |
In Chinese traditional medicine, wolfberry (Lycium barbarum, goji berry) — one of the richest food sources of zeaxanthin — has been used as an eye tonic and vitality herb for over 2,000 years. Zeaxanthin is the (3R,3'R) stereoisomeric counterpart of lutein, differing only in the position of one double bond in the terminal epsilon-ring. Zeaxanthin is concentrated specifically at the foveal centre of the macula — the region where visual acuity is highest — complementing lutein's distribution in the peripheral macula.
Zeaxanthin for Macular Protection, Visual Acuity & Retinal Health — Evidence
AMD prevention — AREDS2 combination: AREDS2 demonstrated that 10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin per day reduced AMD progression by 26%. Zeaxanthin's contribution is attributed to its specific concentration in the foveal centre. Claim strength: High.
Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity: Separate RCTs assessing zeaxanthin at 2–20mg per day document improvements in contrast sensitivity, visual acuity under low-light conditions, and glare recovery. Claim strength: High.
Photoprotection from blue and UV light: Zeaxanthin's absorption spectrum covers blue light (430–490nm). Its concentration at the foveal epicentre provides targeted protection for the most visually critical retinal region. Claim strength: High.
Zeaxanthin Dosage, Stereoisomers & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose: 2mg per day in AREDS2. Higher doses (10–20mg per day) studied specifically for visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. At 10% zeaxanthin content, 2mg requires only 20mg of extract. Always formulate zeaxanthin alongside lutein at minimum 5:1 lutein:zeaxanthin ratio per AREDS2.
Stereoisomer specification: Commercial zeaxanthin from Tagetes erecta is predominantly the (3R,3'R) stereoisomer. Meso-zeaxanthin ((3R,3'S)) is the third macular carotenoid concentrated specifically at the foveal epicentre — adding meso-zeaxanthin at approximately 10mg provides the most comprehensive macular pigment support.
Pairs with: Lutein (always — AREDS2 combination), astaxanthin (comprehensive eye antioxidant stack), DHA (retinal structural support), bilberry extract.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zeaxanthin
What is the difference between lutein and zeaxanthin?
Structural isomers differing in one double bond position. Lutein predominates in the peripheral macula; zeaxanthin is concentrated at the foveal centre for detailed central vision. Both are required for comprehensive macular pigment support.
Why is the AREDS2 dose only 2mg of zeaxanthin when lutein is 10mg?
The 5:1 ratio reflects the natural lutein:zeaxanthin distribution in the human macula and dietary source ratios. Higher zeaxanthin doses (10–20mg) are studied for visual acuity endpoints. The AREDS2 2mg dose matches physiological ratios — not a maximum effective dose for all applications.
Does zeaxanthin from marigold have the same effect as from wolfberry?
Both provide (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin — chemically equivalent. Commercial supplement-grade zeaxanthin is predominantly marigold-sourced for cost and scalability.
What is meso-zeaxanthin and should it be included in eye health formulations?
Meso-zeaxanthin ((3R,3'S)-zeaxanthin) is the third macular carotenoid concentrated at the foveal epicentre. The three-carotenoid combination (10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin + 10mg meso-zeaxanthin) provides the most comprehensive macular pigment support across the entire macula.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
← Back to Active Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery