The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

Abstract

The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption.

The Microalgae <em>Chlamydomonas </em>for Bioremediation and Bioproduct Production

“…Carotenoids are a diverse group of lipid-soluble pigments produced by plants and microorganisms, known for their benefits as vitamin precursors and antioxidants. Astaxanthin, a ketocarotenoid, is recognized as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants among carotenoids [202]. Astaxanthin is currently primarily produced industrially from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, with the crucial enzyme involved in its biosynthesis being β-carotene ketolase (BKT) [203].…”

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

“…Astaxanthin ( Figure 13 ) is another fat-soluble xanthophyll carotenoid with a red pigmentation, which is found in various microorganisms and marine animals and algae [ 292 , 293 ] such as Haematococcus pluvialis , a green microalga, which accumulates high astaxanthin amounts under stress conditions of high salinity, nitrogen deficiency, high temperature, and light [ 294 , 295 , 296 ]. In a few years, it has been approved to be used as a food colorant in animal and fish feed such as salmon, trout, and shrimp [ 292 , 297 ] and used as a nutritional supplement and has been rapidly growing in foods, feeds, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals [ 298 , 299 ].…”

Pharmacological Treatments and Natural Biocompounds in Weight Management

“…Carotenoid lycopene, which accumulates significantly in ripe tomatoes, demonstrated protection against diabetes and obesity [ 113 ]. Bjørklund et al [ 114 ] revealed the ability of the other carotenoid astaxanthin, synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria, to manage the overweight outcome. Radice et al [ 115 ] found that supplementation of the experimental animals with astaxanthin had positive effects on a variety of symptoms associated with obesity through the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering capacity, as well as mitigating the immune system.…”