ASTAXANTHIN

Astaxanthin is obtained from the green algae Haematococcus pluvialis  . This algae is a source of valuable bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and other carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A). It occurs in a variety of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms to higher plants and animals. It is particularly known for its pronounced antioxidant effect. Its antioxidant properties are based on the chemical structure. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals. These unstable molecules would be capable of causing cell damage. Due to the protective mechanism of astaxanthin, premature skin aging is prevented. (1,2,3)

The antioxidant effect for the protection of cell membranes is stronger than that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Therefore, astaxanthin is considered a natural carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect. (4)

Research results indicate that astaxanthin may be beneficial in inflammatory diseases. Astaxanthin is already used in dermatology due to its diverse functions in skin biology. (5)
A special advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This allows astaxanthin to penetrate more effectively into the double layer of the skin and to act in a more multifaceted way than other antioxidants. (6)

(1) Oslan S. N. H., Tan J. S., Oslan S. N., Matanjun P., Mokhtar R. A. M., Shapawi R., Huda N. (2021). Haematococcus pluvialis as a Potential Source of Astaxanthin with Diverse Applications in Industrial Sectors: Current Research and Future Directions. Molecules, 26(21), 6470.

(2) Ito N., Seki S., Ueda F. (2018). The Protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced Skin Deterioration in healthy people - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients, 10.

(3) Davinelli S., Nielsen M. E., Scapagnini G. (2018). Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.

(4) Sztretye M., Dienes B., Gönczi M., Czirják T., Csernoch L., Dux L., Szentesi P.,Keller-Pintér A. (2019). Astaxanthin: A potential mitochondria-targeted antioxidant treatment in Disease and with aging. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity.

(5) Beutner S et al. (2001): Quantitative assessment of antioxidant properties of natural colorants and phytochemicals: carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols and indigoids. The role of ß-carotene in antioxidant functions. J Sci Food Agric, 81, 559-68.

(6) Ekpe L., Inaku K., Ekpe V. (2018). Antioxidant effects of astaxanthin in various diseases — A review. J. Mol. Pathophysiol, 7(1), 1-6.