ASTAXANTHIN13FET1011- PRATHAMESH KUDALKAR

13FET1013- MAHESH DUDHAL

Introduction

• Astaxanthin is a keto-carotenoid.

• It belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as terpenes

• Chain of conjugated double bonds,Keto group and Hydroxy groups are responsible for the antioxidant function of astaxanthin.

• Due to astaxanthin's antioxidant activity, it is beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Astaxanthin is a colorful, lipid-soluble pigment

• Global astaxanthin market is expected to exceed 1 billion dollar by 2020.

Sources of Astaxanthin• The following sources are used for the commercial production of astaxanthin:

• Euphausia pacifica (Pacific krill)

• Euphausia superba (Antarctic krill)

• Haematococcus pluvialis (MicroAlgae)

• Pandalus borealis (Arctic shrimp)

• Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, formerly Phaffia rhodozyma (yeast)

Krill ShrimpMicroalgae

Sources of Astaxanthin• Primary natural source for astaxanthin is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.

Haematococcus pluvialis has the highest levels of astaxanthin in nature.

• Commercially, more than 40 g of astaxanthin can be obtained from one kg of dry biomass.

• Haematococcus pluvialis has the advantage of the population doubling every week.

BIOSYNTHESIS

COMMERCIAL SYNTHESIS

HEALTH BENEFITS

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant.

It inhibits oxidative damage initiated by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) thus preventing protein and lipid oxidation and DNA damage which are associated with various disorders.

Astaxanthin contains a unique molecular structure in the presence of hydroxyl and keto moieties on each ionone ring, which are responsible for the high antioxidant properties

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES It serves as a safeguard against oxidative damage by various

mechanisms like Quenching of singlet oxygen Scavenging of radicals to prevent chain reactions Preservation of membrane structure by inhibiting lipid peroxidation Enhancement of immune system function and regulation of gene

expression

It has been reported that it has a antioxidant activity, as high as 10 times more than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxantin, and β- carotene; and 100 times more that α-tocopherol.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant to terminate the

induction of inflammation in biological systems. 

It might exert some of its anti-inflammatory actions through inhibition of the Cyclo-Oxygenase-1 enzyme (COX1)

It is a promising molecule for the treatment of ocular inflammation in eyes as reported by the Japanese researchers

It exerts dose-dependent gastroprotective effect on acute gastric ulcers in rats. It may be due to inhibition of H1, K1 ATPase, upregulation of mucin content and an increase in antioxidant activities.

ANTI-DIABETIC Oxidative stress levels are very high in diabetes mellitus patients.

It is induced by hyperglycemia, due to the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and tissue damage in patients.

Astaxanthin could reduce the oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia in pancreatic β-cells and also improve glucose and serum insulin levels.

Astaxanthin can protect pancreatic β-cells against glucose toxicity.

Some of the studies demonstrated that astaxanthin prevents diabetic nephropathy by reduction of the oxidative stress and renal cell damage. 

CORONARY HEART DISEASE In animal models, astaxanthin shows benefit in protecting

against cardiovascular damage; these studies mostly used Disodium Disuccinate Astaxanthin.

Iwamoto et al. (2000) performed in vivo and ex vivo studies and their results suggest that AX inhibits the oxidation of LDL which presumably contributes to arteriosclerosis prevention.

In overweight subjects given 20mg astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks supplementation was associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol. 

Oral ingestion of 6mg astaxanthin or higher appears to reduce membrane oxidation in red blood cells.

CORONARY HEART DISEASE

OTHER EFFECTS Macular Degeneration

Plays a protective role particularly against age-related macular degeneration. Protect cellular DNA from UV(A) radiation, bright light in general and reactive nitrogen species.

Skin Topical application improves elasticity, symptoms of skin aging,

and have a moisturizing effect.

Anti Cancer Retards cell proliferation but beta carotene and lutein were

found to be more effective in studies on mice.

Physical Performance Positive effects were seen in endurance athletes

ABSORPTION & BIOAVAILABILTY Astaxanthin is a fat soluble compound.

Astaxanthins are absorbed into the body like lipids and transported via the lymphatic system into the liver. 

Oral Bioavailability of astaxanthin usually ranges from 10-20% Half life of astaxanthin was found to be between 15.5h to 21.1h

in different studies.

Smoking reduces the bioavailability by 40% It is recommended to administer astaxanthin with omega-3 rich

seed oils such as chia, flaxseed, fish, nutella, walnuts and almonds.

Bioavailability is enhanced on administration through lipid softgels, capsules and skin creams.

DRUG NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS Anti-Coagulants

Simultaneous use of anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, clopidogrel with Astaxanthin supplements has been reported to decrease the anticoagulant effect.

Cholesterol-lowering medications Have been reported to reduce the absorption of Astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure. 

DOSAGE & SAFETY Recommended Dosage: 2-4 mg/day

GRAS status by US FDA. No known toxicity.

Consumption of 6mg daily of Astaxanthin for a prolonged period does not seem to adversely affect any blood parameter in humans according to one study.

One human study noted no side effects with 21.6mg daily for two weeks or 20mg for 12 weeks as well as a single dose of 48mg is well tolerated.

Long-term ingestion of large quantities may lead to skin pigmentation.

High single dose may cause red coloration of the feces

MARKET PRODUCTS

Zenith NutritionAstaxanthin120 CapsulesRs. 998.00

Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Astaxanthin25 gel capsRs. 2,645.00

Nature Made Astaxanthin60 soft gelsRs. 3,108.00

Solgar Astaxanthin 30 Soft gelsRs. 3,000.00