What is Astazanthin?

Astazanthin is widely distributed aquatic creatures including crustacean (prawn, crab, ect.) as the red fat-soluble Boiled prawns and crabs get red because the protein of astazanthin is broken down. In addition, the pigment is much contained in the marina alga called Haematococcus.

Therefore, when sued as an ingredient, it is used as the extract of Haematococcus. As it is not be biosynthesized within the body of any animal, it should be supplemented through the intake. With the strong antioxidation effect, it is excellent in removing active oxygen. 

Effect of astazanthin

1. Artery hardening prevention

Astazanthin inhibits the plaque inflammation, thereby slowing down the process of artery hardening.

2. Intensified immunity function

Astazanthin makes bioactive substances for immune system against inflammation and cancer, increasing the number of such substances. In addition, it inhibits the abnormal immune reaction that causes unnecessary inflammation.

3. Eye health

Astazanthin helps form new retinal blood vessels and prevents the oxidation stress, thereby slowing down the process/preventing of the age-related yellow spot degeneration, cataract and glaucoma.

Related Articles

1. Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity. (Saito M1, Yoshida K, Saito W, Fujiya A, Ohgami K, Kitaichi N, Tsukahara H, Ishida S, Ohno S. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012 Feb;250(2):239-45. )

: Astazanthin increasings choroid blood flow velocity for four weeks.

2. Effect of astaxanthin on vocal fold wound healing. (Mizuta M1, Hirano S, Hiwatashi N, Tateya I, Kanemaru S, Nakamura T, Ito J. Laryngoscope. 2014 Jan;124(1):E1-7.

: Astazanthin has the effect on vocal fold wound healing through the controlled oxidation stress.

3. Astaxanthin attenuates the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress. (Dong LY1, Jin J, Lu G, Kang XL. Mar Drugs. 2013 Mar 21;11(3):960-74.).

: Astazanthin is helpful for improving diabetic retinopathy.

4. Amelioration of ultraviolet-induced photokeratitis in mice treated with astaxanthin eye drops. (Lennikov A, Kitaichi N, Fukase R, Murata M, Noda K, Ando R. Mol Vis. 2012;18:455-64.)

: Astazanthin preserves epithelial cell exposed to ultraviolet ray, reduces the oxidation stress of cornea.

5. Lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin protect against DNA damage in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells induced by reactive nitrogen species. (Santocono M, Zurria M, Berrettini M, Fedeli D, Falcioni G. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007 Jul 27;88(1):1-10. )

: Lutein, zeaxanthin and astazanthin protects against DNA damage.