CAS 472-61-7 Astaxanthin Red Powder For Eye Fatigue Treatment Astaxanthin Oily Liquid

Astaxanthin: Comprehensive Overview

Description

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring, powerful keto-carotenoid pigment belonging to the xanthophyll family. It's responsible for the pink-red color in marine organisms like salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos. Unlike many antioxidants, astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that allows it to span cell membranes, providing protection to both water-soluble and fat-soluble parts of cells. It's considered one of nature's most potent antioxidants, with significantly greater free radical scavenging capacity than other carotenoids.

Specification

Key Features & Properties

Antioxidant Properties

• Potent Free Radical Scavenger: 6,000x stronger than vitamin C, 800x stronger than CoQ10, 550x stronger than vitamin E
• Singlet Oxygen Quencher: 800x more effective than CoQ10
• Crosses Blood-Brain & Blood-Retinal Barriers: Provides CNS and eye protection
• No Pro-oxidant Activity: Unlike some antioxidants, doesn't become pro-oxidant at high concentrations

Structural Advantages

• Membrane-Spanning Ability: Polar end groups anchor in membrane surfaces while middle spans bilayer
• Simultaneous Protection: Protects both lipid and aqueous cellular components
• Multiple Mechanisms: Neutralizes free radicals, inhibits lipid peroxidation, modulates gene expression

Biological Activities

• Anti-inflammatory effects (inhibits COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β)
• Immune system modulation
• UV radiation protection
• Exercise performance enhancement
• Neuroprotective properties

Sources & Production

Natural Sources

1. Microalgae: Haematococcus pluvialis (primary commercial source)
2. Yeast: Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma)
3. Marine Animals: Salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, lobster, crab
4. Other: Plankton, certain bacteria

Production Methods

• Natural Extraction: From H. pluvialis biomass (most common)
• Fermentation: Using X. dendrorhous yeast
• Chemical Synthesis: Produces 3 stereoisomers (different from natural)
• Genetic Engineering: Modified organisms for enhanced production

Applications

Human Nutrition & Supplements

• Eye Health: Reduces eye fatigue, improves visual acuity
• Skin Health: Reduces wrinkles, improves moisture, protects from UV damage
• Sports Nutrition: Enhances endurance, reduces muscle damage, improves recovery
• Cardiovascular Health: Improves lipid profiles, reduces oxidative stress
• Cognitive Support: Neuroprotective effects, may support brain health
• Immune Support: Enhances immune response

Animal & Aquaculture Nutrition

• Aquaculture Feed: Provides pigmentation for salmon, trout, shrimp (5-100 mg/kg feed)
• Poultry Feed: Enhances egg yolk color and bird health
• Livestock: Improves reproductive health, meat quality

Cosmetics & Topical Products

• Anti-aging Creams: Reduces wrinkles, improves elasticity
• Sun Protection: Natural UV protectant (often combined with other sunscreens)
• After-sun Products: Soothes and repairs sun-damaged skin
• Colorant: Natural red pigment in cosmetics

Food Industry

• Natural Colorant: In beverages, confectionery, dairy products
• Functional Food Additive: In fortified foods and beverages

Dosage & Forms

Common Forms

1. Softgel Capsules: Oil-based suspensions (most common)
2. Powder: Microencapsulated or beadlet forms
3. Liquid: Oil suspensions or water-dispersible forms
4. Topical: Creams, serums, lotions

Typical Dosages

• General Health: 4-8 mg daily
• Therapeutic/Sports: 12-20 mg daily
• Topical: 0.05-0.1% in formulations
• Maximum Safe Dose: Up to 40 mg daily studied with no adverse effects