HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS EXTRACT
Haematococcus pluvialis is a green microalga that is a source of valuable bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and other carotenoids, as well as proteins and fatty acids. (1)
Astaxanthin is found in a wide variety of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms to higher plants and animals. It is particularly known for its potent antioxidant effects, which enable it to effectively combat free radicals.(2-3)
Thanks to its unique chemical structure, astaxanthin possesses powerful antioxidant properties. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. This protective mechanism helps prevent premature aging and various health problems.(2-3) Astaxanthin is considered “the most powerful antioxidant known” worldwide.(4) Its antioxidant effect—which protects cell membranes—is considered 65 times stronger than that of vitamin C and 50 times stronger than that of vitamin E. Furthermore, astaxanthin is considered the carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect.(5) Research findings suggest that astaxanthin may be beneficial in immune and inflammatory diseases. Due to its diverse functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already being used in dermatology.(6) A particular advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This enables astaxanthin to penetrate the skin’s bilayer more effectively and exert a multifaceted effect there, compared to other antioxidants.(7)
(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 (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(2) Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.
(3) 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 (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(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, 2019, 3849692. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3849692
(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.
(7) Dokulil, K., & Pototschnik, A. (2021). Astaxanthin—the Diamond of Antioxidants in the Fight Against Light-Induced Oxidative Stress. SOFW Journal (English version), 147(9). (8) BDI-BioLife Science: AstaCos® OL50 Product Data Sheet. Headquarters: BDI-BioLife Science GmbH
