The present invention addresses the problem of discovering a carotenoid compound exhibiting excellent water solubility. Provided is a carotenoid derivative represented by general formula (I) [in general formula (I): X represents a carbonyl group or a methylene group; R1 and R2 represent (a), namely -CO-A-B-D (in (a), A represents an alkylene group, an alkenylene group, or the like, B represents the formula -S(O)n-, or the formula -NR4CONR5-, and D represents hydrogen, a carboxyl group, or the like), or (b), namely -CO-E-F (in (b), E represents an alkylene group, or the formula -NR3- {wherein R3 represents (a1) hydrogen, (b1) an alkyl group, or the like}, and F represents a sulfo group); and the remainder comprises hydrogen, (a), (b), or (c), namely -CO-G (in (c), G represents hydrogen, an alkyl group, or the like)]. Also provided are: a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the carotenoid derivative; and a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or amide of the carotenoid derivative.
