cryptoxanthin Chem.
(krɪptəʊˈzænθɪn)
[ad. G. krypto-xanthin (R. Kuhn and C. Grundmann 1933, in Ber. d. Deut. Chem. Ges. LXVI. 1746), f. crypto- + xanthin.]
A yellow carotenoid pigment, C40H56O, widely found in nature and important as a precursor of vitamin A.
| 1934 Chem. Abstr. XXVIII. 1043 Cryptoxanthin... This new xanthophyll..constitutes almost 1/3 of the total pigment of the calyxes and berries of Physalis franchetti. 1946 Nature 24 Aug. 269/2 Carotenoids, such as cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. 1960 Fox & Vevers Nature of Animal Colours v. 76 Other vitamin A precursors are α-carotene, cryptoxanthin (3-oxy-β-carotene), found in many plants as well as in egg-yolk, and echinenone. |