The carotenoids of the berries of Lonicera japonica

Abstract

The following known carotenoids were found in the ripe berries of the climbing honeysuckle (L. japonica): phytofluene, beta-carotene, zeta-carotene, gamma-carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and auroxanthin; an unidentified plgment present in human blood and milk (Kon and Mawson,Spec. Rep. Ser. Med. Res. Council, London, No. 269, 1950) also appears to be present. Some spectral and adsorption properties of a new carotene (eta-carotene) occurring in the berries are described. Small amts. of a polyene very similar to, but distinct from, phytofluene were also observed. Three plgments occurring in small amts. were not identified; their spectra are recorded. Cryptoxanthin is the major component; the xanthophylls exist almost exclusively as esters.