ASTAXANTHIN

13FET1011- PRATHAMESH KUDALKAR

13FET1013- MAHESH DUDHAL
HEALTH BENEFITS
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES
 It serves as a safeguard against oxidative damage by various
mechanisms like
 Quenching of singlet oxygen
 Scavenging of radicals to prevent chain reactions
 Preservation of membrane structure by inhibiting lipid peroxidation
 Enhancement of immune system function and regulation of gene
expression
 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.
 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
 Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant to terminate the
induction of inflammation in biological systems.
 It might exert some of its anti-inflammatory actions
through inhibition of the Cyclo-Oxygenase-1 enzyme
(COX1)
 It is a promising molecule for the treatment of ocular
inflammation in eyes as reported by the Japanese
researchers
 It exerts dose-dependent gastroprotective effect on acute
gastric ulcers in rats. It may be due to inhibition of H1,
K1 ATPase, upregulation of mucin content and an
increase in antioxidant activities.
ANTI-DIABETIC
 Oxidative stress levels are very high in diabetes mellitus patients.
It is induced by hyperglycemia, due to the dysfunction of
pancreatic β-cells and tissue damage in patients.
 Astaxanthin could reduce the oxidative stress caused by
hyperglycemia in pancreatic β-cells and also improve glucose and
serum insulin levels.
 Astaxanthin can protect pancreatic β-cells against glucose toxicity.
 Some of the studies demonstrated that astaxanthin prevents
diabetic nephropathy by reduction of the oxidative stress and renal
cell damage.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE
 In animal models, astaxanthin shows benefit in protecting
against cardiovascular damage; these studies mostly used
Disodium Disuccinate Astaxanthin.
 Iwamoto et al. (2000) performed in vivo and ex vivo studies and
their results suggest that AX inhibits the oxidation of LDL
which presumably contributes to arteriosclerosis prevention.
 In overweight subjects given 20mg astaxanthin daily for 12
weeks supplementation was associated with a reduction in
LDL cholesterol.
 Oral ingestion of 6mg astaxanthin or higher appears to reduce
membrane oxidation in red blood cells.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE
OTHER EFFECTS
 Macular Degeneration
 Plays a protective role particularly against age-related macular
degeneration. Protect cellular DNA from UV(A) radiation, bright light
in general, reactive nitrogen species.
 Skin
 Topical application improves elasticity, symptoms of skin aging, and
have a moisturizing effect.
 Anti Cancer
 Retards cell proliferation but beta carotene and lutein were found to
be more effective in studies on mice.
 Physical Performance
 Positive effects were seen endurance athletes
BIOSYNTHESIS
COMMERCIAL SYNTHESIS
DOSAGE & SAFETY
 Recommended Dosage: 2-4 mg/day
 GRAS status by US FDA. No known toxicity.
 Consumption of 6mg daily of Astaxanthin for a prolonged
period does not seem to adversely affect any blood
parameter in humans according to one study.
 One human study noted no side effects with 21.6mg daily for
two weeks or 20mg for 12 weeks as well as a single dose of
48mg is well tolerated.
 Long-term ingestion of large quantities may lead to skin
pigmentation.
 High single dose may cause red coloration of the feces
 ABSORPTION & BIOAVAILABILTY
 Astaxanthin is a fat soluble compound.
 Astaxanthins are absorbed into the body like lipids and
transported via the lymphatic system into the liver.
 Oral Bioavailability of astaxanthin usually ranges from 10-20%
 Half life of astaxanthin was found to be between 15.5h to 21.1h in
different studies.
 Smoking reduces the bioavailability by 40%
 It is recommended to administer astaxanthin with omega-3 rich
seed oils such as chia, flaxseed, fish, nutella, walnuts and
almonds.
 Bioavailability is enhanced on administration through lipid
softgels, capsules and skin creams.
DRUG NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS
 Anti-Coagulants
 Simultaneous use of anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, clopidogrel with Astaxanthin supplements has been reported
to decrease the anticoagulant effect.

 Cholesterol-lowering medications
 Have been reported to reduce the absorption of Astaxanthin.

 Astaxanthin may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in

patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure.