ASTAXANTHIN
Astaxanthin isextractedfrom thegreen alga Haematococcus pluvialis. This alga is a source of valuable bioactive compounds, including astaxanthin and other carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A). It is found in a wide variety of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms to higher plants and animals. It is particularly well known for its pronounced antioxidant effect. Its antioxidant properties are based on its chemical structure. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. Thanks to astaxanthin’s protective mechanism, premature skin aging is prevented.(1–3)
Its antioxidant effect in protecting cell membranes is stronger than that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Therefore, astaxanthin is considered the natural carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect.(4)
Research findings suggest that astaxanthin may be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases. Due to its diverse functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already being used in dermatology.(5)
A particular advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This allows astaxanthin to penetrate the skin’s bilayer more effectively and exert a more multifaceted effect there than other antioxidants.(6)
(1) Oslan S. N. H., Tan J. S., Oslan S. N., Matanjun P., Mokhtar R. A. M., Shapawi R., Huda N. (2021). Haematococcus pluvialis as a Potential Source of Astaxanthin with Diverse Applications in Industrial Sectors: Current Research and Future Directions. Molecules, 26(21), 6470.
(2) Ito N., Seki S., Ueda F. (2018). The Protective Role of Astaxanthin Against UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 10.
(3) Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.
(4) Sztretye M., Dienes B., Gönczi M., Czirják T., Csernoch L., Dux L., Szentesi P., Keller-Pintér A. (2019). Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment for Diseases and Aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.
(5) Beutner S et al. (2001): Quantitative assessment of the antioxidant properties of natural colorants and phytochemicals: carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and indigoids. The role of β-carotene in antioxidant functions. J Sci Food Agric, 81, 559-68.
(6) Ekpe L., Inaku K., Ekpe V. (2018). Antioxidant effects of astaxanthin in various diseases — A review. J. Mol. Pathophysiol, 7(1), 1–6.
