Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review

Abstract

There is currently much interest in biological active compounds derived from natural resources, especially compounds that can efficiently act on molecular targets, which are involved in various diseases. Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β′-carotene-4,4′-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, contained in Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum, and Phaffia rhodozyma. It accumulates up to 3.8% on the dry weight basis in H. pluvialis. Our recent published data on astaxanthin extraction, analysis, stability studies, and its biological activities results were added to this review paper. Based on our results and current literature, astaxanthin showed potential biological activity in in vitro and in vivo models. These studies emphasize the influence of astaxanthin and its beneficial effects on the metabolism in animals and humans. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in animals was enhanced after feeding Haematococcus biomass as a source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, used as a nutritional supplement, antioxidant and anticancer agent, prevents diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, and also stimulates immunization. Astaxanthin products are used for commercial applications in the dosage forms as tablets, capsules, syrups, oils, soft gels, creams, biomass and granulated powders. Astaxanthin patent applications are available in food, feed and nutraceutical applications. The current review provides up-to-date information on astaxanthin sources, extraction, analysis, stability, biological activities, health benefits and special attention paid to its commercial applications.

Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress induced by Cu2+ in prostate cells

“…ROS, also termed oxidants, were common by-products of the standard aerobic cellular metabolism, and were continuously generated in cells and synchronously scavenged by an array of antioxidant mechanisms (Dröge, 2002). Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between ROS production and the cell antioxidant defense capability, and causes reactions among those oxidative molecules and lipids, proteins and DNA (Montezano and Touyz, 2012;Ambati et al, 2014). Oxidative stress had been clarified as an interference factor in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance, resulting in potential cell damage (Sies, 1985).…”

Effect of Thermal Processing on Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Esters in Pacific White Shrimp <i>Litopenaeus v</i><i>annamei</i>

“…The voltage of the corona needle was set to 4 kV. Nitrogen was used as the drying gas, and the carrier gas at a flow rate of 5 L min 1 , with a nebulizer was 45 psi and the dry gas temperature was held at 350 . Mass spectra was monitored in the mass range m/z 200-2000.…”

Applications for Marine Resources in Cosmetics

“…Astaxanthin, which belongs to the carotenoids family, also presents interesting depigmentation properties. It would provide a protection for skin from age spots by reducing melanin production by 40% [89]. The wide majority of skin-whitening compounds used in cosmetics are still provided by terrestrial organisms, therefore opening new opportunities for marine skin whitening molecules research in cosmetics [4].…”