ASTAXANTHIN

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

The antioxidant effect to protect cell membranes is stronger than that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Astaxanthin is therefore considered to be the natural carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect. (4)

Research results indicate that astaxanthin can be beneficial in inflammatory diseases. Due to its diverse functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already being used in dermatology. (5)
A particular advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This enables astaxanthin to penetrate the bilayer of the skin more effectively and to have a more multi-layered effect 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 Randomized, 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 Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases 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.