Astaxanthin
President & CEO of CCRES
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, it is a dark red pigment and the main carotenoid found in algae and aquatic animals. It is responsible for the red/pink coloration of crustaceans, shellfish, and the flesh of salmonoids. CCRES produces astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, the richest known natural source for astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin however, is more than just a red pigment, it is primarily an extremely powerful antioxidant. It has the unique capacity to quench free radicals and reactive species of oxygen and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown astaxanthin to be over 500 times stronger than vitamin E and much more potent than other carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene and ?-carotene.
Astaxanthin was found to have beneficial effects in many health conditions related to the Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, skin health, joint health, muscle endurance, as well as to the cardiovascular, immune, eye and other systems.
Natural astaxanthin – molecule properties
Astaxanthin (3,3’-dihydroxy-?-?-carotene-4,4’-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, commonly found in marine environments where it gives an orange-pink coloration to several sea-species.
Astaxanthin however, is more than just a red pigment, it is primarily an extremely powerful antioxidant. It has the unique capacity to quench free radicals and reactive species of oxygen and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Studies have shown astaxanthin to be over 500 times stronger than vitamin E and much more potent than other carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene and ?-carotene.
Astaxanthin was found to have beneficial effects in many health conditions related to the Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders, skin health, joint health, muscle endurance, as well as to the cardiovascular, immune, eye and other systems.
Natural astaxanthin – molecule properties
Astaxanthin (3,3’-dihydroxy-?-?-carotene-4,4’-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, commonly found in marine environments where it gives an orange-pink coloration to several sea-species.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis
Astaxanthin has two chiral centers, at the 3 and 3 positions. The main astaxanthin stereoisomer (3S, 3S’) found in the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the main form found in wild salmon.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis
Astaxanthin consists of geometric isomers (trans and cis). the cis isomers display higher bioavailability and potency in humans This isomer is abundant (up to 20%) in the natural astaxanthin complex produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis The astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae occurs in the esterified form, which is more stable than the free astaxanthin form.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis Astaxanthin cannot be synthesized by animals and humans and must be provided in the diet. Natural astaxanthin has been part of the human diet for thousands of years.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis
Astaxanthin, unlike most carotenes is not converted to vitamin A (retinol) in the human body.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis
Natural astaxanthin has no "pro-oxidant" activity – It does not become an exhausted oxidant thanks to its unique molecule structure that is able to release the excess of energy as heat.
CCRES Haematococcus pluvialis
Astaxanthin has been shown to actually cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, meaning it can positively impact disorders related to brain and the central nervous system.
Astaxanthin
CCRES ALGAE PROJECT
part of
CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (CCRES)
