Green Alga Haematococcus Pluvialis a Potential Source of Pharmaceutical Valuable Astaxanthin

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the richest sources of natural astaxanthin which is considered as "super anti-oxidant." Astaxanthin has umpteen applications in the nutraceuticals, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture industries, can significantly decimate free radicals, oxidative stress and help human body maintain a healthy state. With extraordinary potency and increase in demand, astaxanthin is one of the high-value microalgae products of the future. This comprehensive review summarizes different sources of astaxanthin, occurrence, life cycle of H. pluvialis and applications of astaxanthin for human and animals.