Human Flower Project

Medicine

Sunday, September 19, 2004

Marigolds—Eye Candy or Eye Medicine?

A Canadian firm has patented an extract of marigold flowers for its benefit to eye health.

Ever tried photographing marigolds? A camera tends to turn their iridescent oranges and yellows positively day-glo. But it appears these humble flowers are capable of more than dazzle.

Fitness and Wellness Week reports that Kemin Foods has been granted a patent from Canada’s Intellectual Property Office to make “purified, crystallized Lutein” from marigold petals. The article notes that several studies have shown lutein, a natural antioxidant found also in spinach and eggs, reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

“Lutein, present in many areas of the eye including the macula and lens, appears to filter high-energy blue wavelengths of visible light – from both natural sunlight and indoor light.”—which may explain both why my marigold photos take on a black-light-poster radiance and why the new eye-care product goes by the name FloraGLO.