Astaxanthin is a bright red pigment of natural origin that belongs to the carotenoid family. Caretenoids are nutrients known for their powerful antioxidant action, capable of protecting cells against the harmful effects of free radicals. This pigment is derived from certain unicellular algae, particularly haematococcus pluvial (H. pluvialis), the algae that contain the highest levels of Astaxanthin.
In the natural environment, Astaxanthin protects these microalgae when they are subject to harmful stress. In extreme conditions, the microalgae spontaneously produce Astaxanthin, as a natural self-defence mechanism, acting as a protective shield. In our bodies, Astaxanthin plays the same protective role.
Astaxanthin is believed to help prepare and protect the skin from within to fight against oxidative stress due to sun exposure. It may help limit the risk of sunburn, while slowing the skin ageing process and development of skin diseases.
"As we discussed previously, AX is a potent antioxidant Ih stimulates and modulates the immune system. These effects are capable of preventing or delaying sunburns."
Higuera-Ciapara I, Felix-Valenzuela L, and Goycoolea F M, "Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications." Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2006; 46(2) : 185-196.
Scientific studies have shown that Astaxanthin appears to reduce inflammation of ocular muscles and improve blood flow to the eyes, particularly the capillary vessels that irrigate the retina.
As it is fat soluble, Astaxanthin has a particular affinity with cell membranes, especially the double cell membrane in eye muscle tissue. It is believed to help reduce the risk of cataracts as well as the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
"Astaxanthin shows its benefical effects in a variety of ocular conditions including improvement in papillary constriction potential, increase in choroidal blood flow velocity, protection against progression of both dry and wet type of age related macular degeneration and glaucoma."
Fakhri S et al., "Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits." Pharmacological research. 2018; 136 : 1-20.
By boosting the body’s antioxidant capacities, Astaxanthin is believed to promote greater resilience in muscle and joint training, endurance and recuperation. It may also help balance oxidative stress and lactic acid.
"Astaxanthin is an effective agent for the improvement of muscle fatigue and also enhances sports performance."
Fakhri S et al., "Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits." Pharmacological research. 2018; 136 : 1-20.
Astaxanthin is believed to act as an anti-inflammatory analgesic blocking different chemical products in the body that can cause pain. According to research, its action appears to help reduce chronic illness and diminish all types of pain (joint, muscle, arthritis or tennis elbow).
" The anti-inflammatory effects of AST play an important role in preventing the progression of disorders of the central nervous system vis-à-vis its biological effects."
Fakhri S et al., "Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits." Pharmacological research. 2018; 136 : 1-20.
Astaxanthin is one of the few antioxidants that is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier. This could allow it to act directly on the brain, promoting neuronal communication by slowing the effects of cellular ageing. It is also believed to help increase mental capacities, improving memory and cognitive functions in older people.
"In conclusion, the results suggested that astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract improves cognitive function in the healthy aged individuals."
Katagiri M et al., "Effects of astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract on cognitive function: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition. 2011 : 1203270150-1203270150.
The antioxidant activity of Astaxanthin may explain its anti-fatigue effect. By eliminating free radicals from our body, Astaxanthin may support the nervous system during mental effort and stressful situations. It would then reduce daily psychological and physical fatigue, while helping the body recuperate from intellectual fatigue.
Astaxanthin reduced the daily sense of fatigue caused by both mental and physical loads.
Hongo N et al., "Daily Fatigue—reducing Effect of Astaxanthin―A Randomized, Placebo—controlled, Double—blind, Parallel—group Study―." 薬理と治療. 2017; 45(1): 61-72.
Astaxanthin is the most powerful carotenoid in nature. Its unique chemical structure allows it to target the entire cell, as opposed to fat soluble and water soluble antioxidants, which only protect one side of the cellular membrane.
"It has been reported that it has a antioxidant activity, as high as 10 times more than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxantin, and β-carotene; and 100 times more that α-tocopherol."
Higuera-Ciapara I, Felix-Valenzuela L, and Goycoolea F M, "Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications." Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2006; 46(2) : 185-196.
Consuming carotenoids and antioxidants is believed to be correlated to improved fertility. Studies have shown a decrease in oxidative stress in semen and an increase in spermatogenensis. Astaxanthin also appears to increase the strength and health of spermatozoa.
"The observation that these pregnancies occurred within the time period of 3 months after initiation of Astaxanthin intake, among couples with an average duration of infertility of more than 20 months, is suggestive for a causal link with the antioxidant supplementation."
Comhaire FH et al., ''Combined conventional/antioxidant “Astaxanthin“ treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial.'' Asian journal of andrology. 2005; 7(3) : 257-262.