HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS EXTRACT
Haematococcus pluvialis is a green microalgae that is a source of valuable bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and other carotenoids as well as proteins and fatty acids. (1)
Astaxanthin 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, which enables it to effectively combat free radicals. (2)(3)
Due to its unique chemical structure, astaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage. This protective mechanism helps to prevent premature ageing and various health problems. (2)(3)
Astaxanthin is considered "the most powerful antioxidant known" in the world. (4) Its antioxidant effect by protecting cell membranes is considered to be 65 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E. Furthermore, astaxanthin is considered to be the carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect. (5) Research suggests that astaxanthin may be beneficial in immune and inflammatory diseases. Due to its multiple functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already being used in dermatology. (6) 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 act in multiple layers compared to other antioxidants. (7)
(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 (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(2) Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.
(3) 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 (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(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, 2019, 3849692. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3849692
(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.
(7) Dokulil, K., & Pototschnik, A. (2021). Astaxanthin-the Diamond of Antioxidants in the Fight Against Light-induced Oxidative Stress. SOFW Journal (English version), 147(9).
(8) BDI-BioLife Science: Product data sheet AstaCos® OL50. Headquarters BDI-BioLife Science GmbH