Summary Astaxanthin (Ax), a carotenoid ubiquitously distributed in microorganisms, fish, and crustaceans, has been known to be a potent antioxidant and hence exhibit various physiological effects. We attempted in these studies to evaluate clinical toxicity and efficacy of long-term administration of a new Ax product, by measuring biochemical and hematological blood parameters and by analyzing brain function (using CogHealth and P300 measures). Ax-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extracts equivalent to 4, 8, 20 mg of Ax dialcohol were administered to 73, 38, and 16 healthy adult volunteers, respectively, once daily for 4 weeks to evaluate safety. Ten subjects with age-related forgetfulness received an extract equivalent to 12 mg in a daily dosing regimen for 12 weeks to evaluate efficacy. As a result, no abnormality was observed and efficacy for age-related decline in cognitive and psychomotor functions was suggested.
Astaxanthin is a caroteonid that possesses strong antioxidant activity. Recently, many studies on biological activity have been reported. In general, the absorption of carotenoids is affected greatly by diet and by smoking. In this report, we investigated astaxanthin pharmacokinetics after administration of Haematococcus algal extract, a source of astaxanthin, to smokers and nonsmokers before and after a meal; astaxanthin was given before the meal to nonsmokers (n ¼ 7), after the meal to nonsmokers (n ¼ 6), and after the meal to smokers (n ¼ 7), then serum samples were analyzed. The timing of administration greatly affected astaxanthin bioavailability including the area under the curve (AUC 0{168 , 2;968 AE 959 g h/l in the before-meal group vs. 7;219 AE 3;118 g h/l in the after-meal group), indicating high availability in the after-meal group. Smoking also affected the pharmacokinetic parameters and reduced the half-life (t 1=2 ) of astaxanthin elimination significantly.
Lithium metal deposition during overcharge in practical lithium ion cells composed of a lithium metal oxide (LiCoO 2 ) positive electrode coated on Al foil, carbon (synthesized graphite and hard carbon) negative electrodes coated on Cu foil, polypropylene separator, and liquid electrolyte was observed using in situ solid state 7 Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with an original probe featuring a flattened solenoid coil. Li insertion and extraction in carbon electrodes were monitored during charge and discharge and the intensities of certain peaks were found to be proportional to the cell capacity change. The deposition of metallic Li commenced after the cell voltage exceeded the nominal value and almost saturated after 160% of charge at a low current rate. The measurements showed that the deposition of metallic Li was much easier on graphite compared to hard carbon. The metallic Li deposited on hard carbon was almost completely discharged, whereas that on graphite remained after discharging to 2.5 V.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.