MOLECULE

β-Cryptoxanthin

Β-cryptoxanthin belongs to the class of organic compounds known as xanthophylls. These are carotenoids containing an oxygenated carotene backbone. Carotenes are characterized by the presence of two end-groups (mostly cyclohexene rings, but also cyclopentene rings or acyclic groups) linked by a long branched alkyl chain. Carotenes belonging form a subgroup of the carotenoids family. Xanthophylls arise by oxygenation of the carotene backbone. Thus, β-cryptoxanthin is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. Β-cryptoxanthin is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. β-Cryptoxanthin is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.