L

labyrinth A spirituality-based approach that fea-
tures a geometric, symmetrical pattern that a per-
son walks in prayer, MEDITATION, VISUALIZATION, or
quiet contemplation. Many hospitals have
labyrinths, which may be small or large, indoors
or outdoors, permanent or temporary. The tradi-
tion of the labyrinth dates to medieval times and
has integrated with a number of religious and
spiritual practices through the centuries. The
winding, convoluted path of the labyrinth physi-
cally and symbolically draws the person into the
center. Once at the center, the person turns and
follows the path back out. Many people experi-
ence profound calm and inner peace as they com-
plete their labyrinth journeys. People who have
chronic or terminal conditions often find the
labyrinth gives them respite from their symptoms
while within the labyrinth and often for hours to
days afterward.
See also NATIVEAMERICAN HEALING; PRAYER AND
SPIRITUALITY; REIKI; TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
(TCM).

lutein An ANTIOXIDANT belonging to the
carotenoid family. Lutein, along with another
carotenoid, ZEAXANTHIN, helps protect against AGE-
RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION(ARMD) and other
retinal disorders. ARMD is the leading cause of
progressive vision loss among adults. Some studies
suggest lutein may also help lower the risk for
LUNG CANCER. Ophthalmologists often recommend
lutein in combination with ZEAXANTHIN, an antioxi-
dant that occurs in many of the same foods as
lutein, for people in middle age and older. There is
limited evidence that lutein and other carotenoids
may also help prevent cataracts from forming.
Lutein occurs naturally in the dark yellow pig-
ments found in red bell peppers, pumpkin, and in

dark green vegetables such as spinach and broc-

coli. It is also available as a dietary supplement,

usually in combination with other carotenoids.

Too much lutein or other carotenoids, which typi-

cally occurs only when taking high doses of

carotenoid supplements, can cause the palms of

the hands and soles of the feet to turn orange or

dark yellow. This is a temporary effect that goes

away when the amount of consumed carotenoids

decreases. Penicillin-based ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS

may decrease lutein absorption.

LUTEIN

Uses Risks/Side Effects Interactions

prevent cataracts excessive amounts may none known

turn the palms and

reserve macular soles of the feet

function orange or dark yellow

possibly protect

against LUNG

CANCER

See alsoBILBERRY; CATARACT; CATARACT EXTRACTION

AND LENS REPLACEMENT; LYCOPENE; RETINOPATHY; VITA-

MIN AND MINERAL THERAPY.

lycopene An ANTIOXIDANT that is one of the

carotenoids. Lycopene emerged in the 1990s as an

adjunct (secondary) therapy forPROSTATE CANCER

because of its ability to slow the growth of

prostate CANCERcells. It may also help to slow the

growth of cancer cells in other locations, notably

the LUNG and LIVER. In combination with LUTEIN

and ZEAXANTHIN (other carotenoids), lycopene

helps protect theRETINAand vision.

Lycopene occurs naturally in fruits and vegeta-

bles that have red flesh, such as tomatoes, guava,

and watermelon. The highest levels of lycopene

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