HYDROPHILIC CAROTENOIDS FROM CROCUS SATIVUS L.: BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION, AND FUTURE INNOVATIONS

Carotenoids are essential bioactive compounds for human health, commonly found in yellow, orange, and red-pigmented plants. While most carotenoids are lipophilic and insoluble in water, this limits their application in certain pharmaceutical and food systems. However, the rare occurrence of naturally water-soluble, or hydrophilic, carotenoids in specific plant species presents a unique opportunity for broader bioavailability and formulation flexibility.