Natural Source of astaxanthin:

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid.  Astaxanthin is produced by microscopic small plants including the micro-alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Haematococcus algae can contain up to 30 g of astaxanthin per kg dried algae. Marine animals including fish, crawfish, crabs, and lobster will eat these micro-algae.  Astaxanthin is responsible for the red color of these animals. Another commercial source is from the ink colored yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

Function of astaxanthin in plant:

Astaxanthin is able to protect the algae from photoxidative damage.  Because large amounts of astaxanthin can accumulate it can help the algae defend itself against environmental changes that result in stress pathways being activated.

Health Benefits: 

Antioxidant:  Astaxanthin can scavenge free radicals protecting lipids from peroxidation and reducing oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol which will reduce the formation of plaques.

Anti-inflammatory: Astaxanthin is able to block inflammatory enzymes including the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme while suppressing the effects of cytokines/chemokines including interleukin 1beta, prostaglandin E2, c-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Immune function:  Astaxathin has been show to increase the number of immune cells that produce antibodies.  This in turn may allow an immune system to have a more robust response against foreign invaders.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) light protection:  ExposurMie of our skin to UVA-light leads to sunburn, inflammation, and aging of the skin.  Evidence suggests that astaxanthin can reduce the damage of UVA light.

Chemical name:  3,3′-Dihydroxy-b,b-carotene-4,4′-dione

Molecular Formula:  C40  H52  O4

Molecular Weight: 596.841 g/mol

Color:  Red