Abstract: A method is described for synthesizing and administering carotenoid compounds with improved antioxidant characteristics. In some embodiments, extension or improvement of conjugation may be employed in structural modification of carotenoids. In other embodiments, reduction of ring/chain steric hindrance may improve the lambda max, and hence, the overall antioxidant capability, of particular compounds. In other embodiments, introduction and/or increase in synthetic handles for conjugation may improve the stoichiometric ratios of conjugating moieties to the polyene backbone. The methods may be used to improve natural and/or synthetic compounds for medicinal application in the treatment of disease.