Studies on carotenoids

Abstract

THE plants of Diospyros are cultivated in Portugal and Spain in numerous varieties, the fruits of which are very difficult to distinguish. It is desirable to investigate their carotenoid content because of their significance in nutrition. Karrer et al. [1932] have isolated lycopin and zeaxanthin from the fruits of Diospyros Kaki. We are indebted to Prof. Dr Carisso, director of the Botanical Garden of Coimbra for a quantity of fruits of Diospyros costata which were collected in an immature state from one tree in November 1934 and kept till maturity in a room at 20.