Studies in carotenogenesis. 19. A survey of the polyenes in a number of ripe berries

Abstract

The berries of 23 species representing 8 families (Araceae, Berberidaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Elaeagneaceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Taxaceae) were examined quantitatively for the common hydrocarbon polyenes (phytoene, phytofluene, [beta]-carotene, [zeta]-carotene, V -carotene, prolycopenes, and lycopene) and xanthophylls (mutatachrome, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, flaxoxanthin, chryxanthemaxanthin, etc.). It was concluded that [beta]-carotene is always present in berries, but when lycopene is present, it may be a minor constituent. Lycopene is often absent but when present, one or more members of the phytofluene series are also present. When [beta]-carotene is the only hydrocarbon present, it is accompanied by the xanthophylls characteristic of green leaves and also by chlorophyll and the total carotenoid content is low. Chlorophyll is not detectable in fully ripened lycopene-containing berries. Cryptoxanthin is almost always present, while lutein, the main carotenoid of green leaves, is often absent.