Astaxanthin: A Potential Therapeutic Agent in Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid present in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and as such has potential as a therapeutic agent in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Synthetic forms of astaxanthin have been manufactured. The safety, bioavailability and effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation that have relevance to the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, have been assessed in a small number of clinical studies. No adverse events have been reported and there is evidence of a reduction in biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation with astaxanthin administration. Experimental studies in several species using an ischaemia-reperfusion myocardial model demonstrated that astaxanthin protects the myocardium when administered both orally or intravenously prior to the induction of the ischaemic event. At this stage we do not know whether astaxanthin is of benefit when administered after a cardiovascular event and no clinical cardiovascular studies in humans have been completed and/or reported. Cardiovascular clinical trials are warranted based on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties, the safety profile and preliminary experimental cardiovascular studies of astaxanthin.

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Semen (Karan Fries Bulls) Storage at 5 °C

“…It neutralizes free radicals or other oxidants very efficiently by either accepting or donating electrons without being destroyed or becoming a pro-oxidant in the process. AX predominantly marine origin demonstrated to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in several studies (Fassett et al, 2011). The present study showed the improvement of sperm quality during preservation at 5 °C (refrigerator temperature) using TEYCAF extender.…”

Astaxanthin Enhances ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1/G1 Expressions and Cholesterol Efflux from Macrophages

“…These functions, together with anti-inflammatory properties, have potential as a therapeutic agent in atherosclerotic disease. Several clinical studies showed favorable data on safety, bioavailability, oxidative stress, and inflammation (24). Furthermore, several animal studies have also shown favorable effects of astaxanthin or synthetic astaxanthin on pathological conditions underlying cardiovascular diseases, namely lowering of blood pressure (25), anti-diabetic effects (26), and attenuation of myocardial infarction size (27,28).…”

Astaxanthin Decreases Inflammatory Biomarkers Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

“…Astaxanthin, a keto oxycarotenoid, is a potent antioxidant; its antioxidant activity has been reported to be higher than that of β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein (Naguib, 2000). Astaxanthin modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, and has shown to be beneficial against multiple disease models ( Fassett and Coombes, 2011). Astaxanthin inhibited NO production and inflammatory gene expression by suppressing NF-κB activation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines (Lee et al, 2003).…”