Xanthopterin is a yellow, crystalline solid that was first discovered in the yellow wings of butterflies. It is also found in the yellow bodies of hornets and wasps. It can also be found in the skin of caterpillars, fish and amphibians.
Xanthopterin is a polar yellow pigment that absorbs solar heat and can be turned it into energy.
In human it is found in organs like the pancreas and kidneys and in the urine. Xanthopterin was originally thought to be a vitamin and was temporarily called vitamin B14. This theory has since become obsolete.
Despite its name, xanthopterin is a pteridine compound, not a xanthophyll (a type of carotenoid pigment like lutein or astaxanthin), Therefore, it has different functions and effects to these antioxidants.
What is the purpose of xanthopterin in the human body?
In the human body, xanthopterin is formed as a waste product during the natural breakdown of other necessary pteridines which serve as co-factors in various metabolic reactions. It is found in blood serum and urine with normal levels of around 14 nmol/l.
Xanthopterin as a disease biomarker
Elevated levels of xanthopterin can reduce nitric oxide production which can cause health issues in humans. Elevated levels in human urine and serum are often used as an indicator of health issues such as the following:
- Cancer (bladder, breast)
- Immune system activation
- Liver disease and haemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells)
- Oxidative stress and inflammation
- Renal disorders
Anti-cancer properties of xanthopterin
Xanthopterin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and growth of certain cell types, including lymphocytes and cancer cells and is being studied further for this purpose.
Natural sources of xanthopterin in alphabetical order
- Almonds
- Banana
- Brazil nuts
- Broad beans
- Garbanzo nuts
- Hazel nuts
- Pistachios
- Rice bran
- Sesame seeds
- Spinach
- Royal jelly
- Yeast
Related subjects
References
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb1961/44/9/44_9_2089/_pdf
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