Astaxanthin CAS 472-61-7

Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid within a group of chemical compounds known as carotenones or terpenes. Astaxanthin is a metabolite of zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin, containing both hydroxyl and ketone functional groups.
It is a lipid-soluble pigment with red coloring properties, which result from the extended chain of conjugated (alternating double and single) double bonds at the center of the compound. The presence of the hydroxyl functional groups and the hydrophobic hydrocarbons render the molecule amphiphilic.

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. That means it helps reduce a natural process in your body called oxidation. This process may play a role in many diseases and changes such as:
● Aging
● Cancer
● Heart disease
● Eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration
● Alzheimer's disease
● Parkinson's disease
Astaxanthin can also reduce inflammation. It might be useful as a treatment for problems that involve inflammation, such as:
● Rheumatoid arthritis
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
Laboratory research has found that an extract from algae that makes astaxanthin slowed the growth of breast and skin cancer cells.
Astaxanthin might help the heart in a number of ways, as well. It may be helpful in preventing plaque buildup in arteries in the heart.
It may also help protect heart muscle from damage from lack of oxygen. This can happen during a heart attack.
Also, by reducing oxidation in the brain, it may protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Astaxanthin may reduce the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which cause peptic ulcers. It may also help protect against kidney damage from diabetes. And it may stimulate the immune system.
However, more research is needed before astaxanthin can be recommended for any of these uses.
Supplement makers may suggest varying amounts of astaxanthin for different purposes. Most of the small research studies to date have used between 2 mg and 12 mg daily. However, optimal doses of astaxanthin have not been set for any condition. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it difficult to set a standard dose.

Cue astaxanthin - often called nature's strongest antioxidant.
Astaxanthin belongs to a class of naturally-occurring pigments called carotenoids. There are more than 700 naturally-occurring carotenoids, most people are probably only familiar with a few and the most common one is beta-carotene.
Astaxanthin is found in a specific type of microalgae and in the sea creatures that consume it including salmon and krill. Indeed it is found in very high amounts in the muscles of salmon and is the carotenoid that gives salmon its pink-red color. It is said to be responsible for the endurance salmon need to swim upstream during the spawning season - salmon can in fact jump four times their length in order to ascend water falls. Interestingly, it is the higher astaxanthin content that gives wild caught salmon a brighter red colour than the farmed variety.
Astaxanthin already has a dedicated following among long distance runners and triathletes
Research has shown a correlation between strenuous exercise and the overproduction of both free radicals and oxidative stress. This can reduce antioxidant system efficiency and damage muscles, which can delay workout recovery time. Research has found that astaxanthin may support muscle function and endurance, and could help athletes to combat the impact of stress on their performance by reducing the free radicals produced by exercise.
In fact astaxanthin as a supplement now has a fairly dedicated following among long distance runners and triathletes as well as many athletes, especially endurance athletes.
The properties of this remarkable antioxidant that make it beneficial to salmon swimming upstream are also beneficial to humans looking to accomplish feats of endurance. This is because:
● It may reduce free radicals to speed recovery time.
● It reduces production and storage of lactic acid - this reduces muscle soreness and recovery time.
● It helps mitochondria function - when you strenuously exercise your muscles the mitochondria produce more energy but this has the side effect of producing free radicals. These free radicals can damage your cell membranes - the more strenuous the workout, the more free radicals you produce. The bottom line being that you can end up with tired and sore muscles.
As a powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin has been shown to effectively scavenge free radicals from muscle tissue and support more efficient mitochondria function thereby potentially giving your strength, stamina, and endurance a healthful boost.
● Astaxanthin boosts skin moisture and elasticity
When the skin is exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet rays cause damage by generating free radicals. These free radicals degrade the skin's collagen, which is there to act as a natural scaffold. Studies have demonstrated the ability of astaxanthin to neutralise free radicals and boost skin moisture and elasticity, while decreasing the appearance of fine lines and age spots.
● Astaxanthin is great for eye health
Certain parts of the eye are light sensitive, they have to be as it enables us to see. However, ultraviolet light can also damage the eye's delicate structures by generating destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Research into eye health has consistently shown astaxanthin's ability as an antioxidant to neutralise ROS and other free radicals.
Astaxanthin slows progression of atherosclerosis
Research has shown that astaxanthin may prevent oxidative stress and slow the progression of atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque on arterial walls). In addition, astaxanthin increases 'good' cholesterol levels (HDL) and lowers 'bad' cholesterol levels (LDL).

Balance of reproductive hormones in females is different than in males. Testosterone and DHT levels are generally much lower in females. However, some women may experience a particular pattern of hormone imbalance where there is reduced estrogen and progesterone while having excess levels of androgen hormones. The presence of excess DHT hormone can lead to hair loss as well.
Astaxanthin has a relationship with female hormone balance. One study in adult women found that six months of daily intake of a combination supplement including astaxanthin improved hair growth and reduced hair shedding. Due to multiple ingredients in formula, it cannot be extrapolated to conclude that astaxanthin specifically helps with hair growth. But we do know that astaxanthin can support antioxidant capacity to combat oxidative stress, a process that may protect hair growth in general.
An animal study showed that astaxanthin can improve ovarian function by alleviating the oxidative stress in developing follicles and ovarian cells caused by BPA administration. BPA is a common chemical found in hard plastics that can disrupt female hormone production. In this study, astaxanthin supplementation enabled the cells to mature normally and restore production of estrogen and progesterone.
New moms may experience excess hair shedding during the postpartum period after having a baby. Experts say that falling levels of estrogen during this time is the cause, and this is a normal and often temporary process. If hair loss continues beyond a few months, this may point to additional issues that need to be addressed, such as nutrient deficiencies. Always express hair loss concerns with your dermatologist.
Additional factors of nutrition can also contribute to hair loss. Adequate nutrients are needed for hair growth. One study found a correlation between lysine (an essential amino acid) and iron supporting healthy hair. Lysine is essential for collagen production, which is vital for hair growth and hair follicle health. Other research also shows that astaxanthin reduces the breakdown of collagen in the skin that can result from common environmental factors. Remember to always measure iron levels before supplementing since iron in high levels can be toxic.
Blood sugar imbalances leading to higher levels of insulin are also well documented as a mechanism behind higher levels of testosterone in some women.