Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 3,3'-Dihydroxy-4,4'-diketo-beta-carotene, 3,3'-dihydroxy-beta,beta'-caroten-4,4'-dione, 3R,3'R-astaxanthin, 3R,3'S-astaxanthin, 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, Agrobacterium aurantiacum, alpha-carotene, Antarctic krill, AST, AstaCarox®, AstaFactor® Rejuvenating Formula, AstaFactor® Sports Formula, Astavita AstaREAL®, astaxanthin diester, astaxanthin dilysinate tetrahydrochloride, astaxanthin-amino acid conjugate, astaxanthine, Astaxin®, ASX, Atlantic salmon, basidiomycete yeast, beta-carotene, Botryococcus braunii, canthaxanthin, canthoxanthin, Cardax®, carotenoid, CDX-085, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum spp., crayfish, crustaceans, DDA, disodium disuccinate astaxanthin, E161j, Euphausia superba, fatty acids, flamingo, gamma-tocopherol, green microalgae, Haematococcus algae extract, Haematococcus pluvialis, homochiral (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin, krill, lutein, lycopene, meso-3R,3'S isomer, meso-astaxanthin, microalgae, nonesterified astaxanthin, non-provitamin A carotenoid, omega-3 fatty acids, ovoester, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, Phaffia rhodozyma, propolis, quail, red carotenoid, retinoid, salmon, shrimp, sockeye salmon, storks, terpenoids, tetrahydrochloride dilysine astaxanthin salt, tomato, trout, wild salmon, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, xanthophylls.
• Combination product examples: Alphastat® Rx-Prostate (contains 200mg of Alphastat®, a patented formula of astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae extract, providing free fatty acids and astaxanthin and Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit extract and zinc); AstaREAL® (contains an esterified astaxanthin complex extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis along with lutein, canthaxanthin, and beta-carotene); BioAstin® 500mg gelcaps by Cyanotech (contains 50mg of Haematococcus algae extract per gelcap, which includes a minimum of 4mg of astaxanthin, 40mcg of lutein, 64mcg of beta-carotene, and 72mcg of canthaxanthin); MF Afragil® (containing astaxanthin calcium, vitamin D3, lycopene, and citrus bioflavoid); Xanthin® (contains 8mg of natural astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus algae extract along with vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), and lutein).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in nature primarily in marine organisms such as microalgae, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and crustaceans (1;​2;​3;​4;​5;​6;​7;​8;​9;​10;​11;​12). It is the pigment that provides salmon and crustaceans with their pink-red color (13). The green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is considered the richest source of astaxanthin. Other microalgae, such as Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum spp., Botryococcus braunii, also contain astaxanthin (6;​9;​14;​15;​16;​17). It may also be found in the feathers of birds, such as quail, flamingo, and storks (18;​19;​20), as well as in propolis, the resinous substance collected by bees (21). Astaxanthin may be synthesized de novo by bacteria such as Agrobacterium aurantiacum and Paracoccus carotinifaciens, as well as yeast such as Phaffia rhodozyma (22;​23;​24;​25).
• Carotenoids are well known for their therapeutic benefits in the aging process and various diseases, because of their antioxidant properties (17;​26;​27;​28). Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid like lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin, which do not convert to vitamin A (9;​10;​11;​13;​29).
• According to a review, these carotenoids are of interest based on their beneficial mechanisms of action for cancers, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, and cataract formation (13). Numerous studies support the use of astaxanthin as a potent antioxidant that may be beneficial in decreasing the risks of certain chronic diseases (12;​30), such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases (2;​6;​8;​9;​10;​11;​12;​14;​15;​17;​27;​28;​30;​31;​32;​33;​34;​35;​36;​37;​38;​39;​40;​41;​42;​43;​44;​45;​46;​47;​48;​49;​50;​51;​52;​53;​54). It may also reduce oxidative stress in the nervous system, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases (12;​14;​17;​21;​46;​48;​55;​56). Additionally, astaxanthin has well documented anti-inflammatory (5;​17;​27;​44;​52;​53;​57) and immune-stimulating effects (6;​29;​57;​58;​59;​60;​61;​62;​63).
• Human trials have been conducted in disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, dyspepsia (with or without Helicobacter pylori infection), hyperlipidemia, male infertility, and skin conditions, and regarding exercise capacity, muscle soreness, and transplants. However, results have been mixed, and more research is needed in these areas before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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