# Rubixanthin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rubixanthin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Xanthophyll rubixanthin, Red-orange carotenoid, Rose hip carotenoid, Rubixanthin pigment, Natural rubixanthin ## Overview Rubixanthin is a yellow-orange carotenoid pigment found naturally in rose hips and certain fruits. As a carotenoid, it theoretically provides antioxidant activity through electron donation and [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing, though clinical evidence remains limited. ## Health Benefits • No specific health benefits have been clinically established due to the lack of human trials. • Its role as a carotenoid suggests potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties, but this is not evidenced by clinical studies. • Often researched for its chemical properties rather than health effects. • Its pigment properties were historically used in food coloring, though no health benefits were associated. • Preliminary findings suggest potential, but no clinical applications have been confirmed. ## Mechanism of Action Rubixanthin functions as an antioxidant through its conjugated polyene structure, which allows electron delocalization and neutralization of [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). The compound's extended conjugated system enables it to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge peroxyl radicals. Like other carotenoids, it may interact with lipid membranes to provide protection against oxidative damage. ## Clinical Summary Currently, no clinical trials have been conducted specifically examining rubixanthin's health effects in humans. Research has focused primarily on its chemical characterization and identification in various plant sources rather than therapeutic applications. Most studies are limited to in vitro analyses of its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays. The lack of human trials means its bioavailability, [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and clinical efficacy remain unknown. ## Nutritional Profile Rubixanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid (3R,3'S configuration), not a macronutrient source and contains no meaningful protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, or caloric content in isolated form. It is a C40 tetraterpenoid with molecular formula C40H56O and molecular weight of 552.87 g/mol. As a carotenoid, it contains a single hydroxyl group at the 3-position of the beta ring, distinguishing it from beta-carotene. Found naturally in rose hips (Rosa canina) at concentrations of approximately 0.1–0.5 mg per 100g fresh weight, where it co-occurs with other carotenoids including lycopene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. Rubixanthin is lipophilic, requiring dietary fat for absorption via micellarization in the gastrointestinal tract, consistent with all xanthophyll carotenoids. Bioavailability is estimated to be low (likely <10% absorption efficiency), similar to other poorly studied xanthophylls, with no established human bioavailability data. It is not converted to vitamin A (retinol) as it lacks the unsubstituted beta-ionone ring required for provitamin A activity. No established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) or Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) exists. It contributes to the yellow-orange pigmentation of rose hips but has no documented nutritional function as a micronutrient in human [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available for rubixanthin due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No safety data exists for rubixanthin supplementation as it is not commercially available as a standalone supplement. Based on other carotenoids, it would likely be well-tolerated at normal dietary levels but could theoretically interact with fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications cannot be ruled out, as some carotenoids affect vitamin K [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses are available for rubixanthin, and thus no PMIDs can be referenced. The research primarily focuses on chemical properties rather than clinical effectiveness. ## Historical & Cultural Context Rubixanthin has no documented historical or traditional medicinal uses in any traditional systems. It was previously used as a food colorant, but this use has been withdrawn. ## Synergistic Combinations Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Beta-carotene, Astaxanthin, Lycopene ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain rubixanthin naturally? Rubixanthin is primarily found in rose hips (Rosa species), where it contributes to the orange-red coloration. It has also been identified in certain citrus fruits and other yellow-orange plant materials, though concentrations vary significantly between sources. ### Is rubixanthin the same as other carotenoids like beta-carotene? No, rubixanthin is chemically distinct from beta-carotene, lacking the cyclohexene rings found in beta-carotene. Unlike beta-carotene, rubixanthin does not convert to vitamin A in the body and has different molecular properties despite both being carotenoid pigments. ### Can I buy rubixanthin supplements? Rubixanthin is not commercially available as a standalone dietary supplement. It can only be obtained through foods that naturally contain it, such as rose hip extracts or preparations, though the actual rubixanthin content in these products is typically not standardized. ### What is the difference between rubixanthin and lycopene? Rubixanthin and lycopene are both acyclic carotenoids but have different molecular structures and color properties. Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color and has extensive clinical research, while rubixanthin produces yellow-orange pigments and lacks clinical studies. ### Does rubixanthin have antioxidant activity? Laboratory studies suggest rubixanthin exhibits antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging mechanisms typical of carotenoids. However, this activity has only been demonstrated in test tube studies using chemical assays, not in living systems or human trials. ### What does clinical research show about rubixanthin's health benefits? Currently, no specific health benefits of rubixanthin have been established through human clinical trials. Most research on rubixanthin focuses on its chemical properties and pigment characteristics rather than therapeutic effects. While its role as a carotenoid suggests potential antioxidant activity, this has not been confirmed by clinical studies in humans. More rigorous human research would be needed to determine whether rubixanthin offers measurable health benefits. ### Is rubixanthin safe for children or pregnant women? There is insufficient clinical data on rubixanthin safety in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Since no human health trials have been conducted on this ingredient, specific safety profiles for these populations have not been established. Pregnant women and parents considering rubixanthin supplements should consult a healthcare provider before use. The lack of safety data means supplementation cannot be confidently recommended for these vulnerable groups at this time. ### How does rubixanthin absorption compare to other carotenoid supplements? Bioavailability and absorption data for rubixanthin supplementation are not well-established compared to extensively studied carotenoids like beta-carotene or lycopene. As a fat-soluble carotenoid, rubixanthin absorption likely benefits from dietary fat intake, though specific research on optimal absorption conditions is limited. Without comparative human studies, it is difficult to determine whether rubixanthin is absorbed more or less efficiently than other carotenoid forms. Most carotenoid supplements perform better when taken with meals containing fat for improved uptake. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*