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Astaxanthin natural dye with valuable properties
Table of Contents
1. What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid compound. Compared to other substances in this group, it is more stable. It is more resistant to high temperatures and light, due to its structure and chemical properties.2. It's a natural source of astaxanthin
Asthaxanthin is synthesized by some microorganisms and fungi. It is obtained mainly from the single-celled algae Hematococcus pluvialis (about. 4% of the dry weight of these organisms). It is also produced by the algae Chlorella zofingensis, which accumulate dye even in the absence of lighting. Another valuable source of asthaxthin is Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous yeast. Although the production efficiency of the fungus is lower than that of the animal itself, it is also due to the lower cost of producing the raw material.3. The main mechanisms of action
Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant. It has strong antioxidant properties by fighting free radicals, including reactive forms of oxygen and nitrogen. Its antioxidant activity has been shown to be significantly higher than other known antioxidant compounds such as α-tocopherol (vitamin E), α-carotene, β-carotenone, lycopene, and lutein (Y. Naguib 2000). Its strong anti-oxidant potential is also due to the ability of the human body to stimulate the activity of enzymes that have anti-oxygenic properties in the blood, e.g. in post-oxidative dissociation (POD). These properties have also been confirmed in studies conducted in 2011. by researchers who observed the effects of antioxidant agents on the total plasma of men, women and adolescents (including 12 months of clinical trials in 2007).4. It's anti-inflammatory
Astaxanthin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by reducing inflammatory compounds in the body. These include proinflammation cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukine-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). It also blocks the activity of certain enzymes (nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2) that contribute to the inflammation process. It has been observed to reduce inflammation and to decrease the C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a major marker of chronic inflammation.5. Immunostimulating effects
Oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals weakens the whole body and leads to many diseases. To prevent them, proper functioning of the immune system is essential. Astaxanthin demonstrates the ability to stimulate the body's immune response. It contributes to increased production of immune system cells, including T and B lymphocytes and NK cells (Natural Killers), which are the first line of defense against infections and infections.6. It's anti-cancer
Combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating properties make astaxanthin also anti-cancer. It demonstrates the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also initiates the process of their destruction in the course of apoptosis (programmed cell death) (J. S. Bertram, A. L. Vine 2005). By reducing free radicals, antioxidant activity reduces carcinogens. Additionally, an increase in immune response and immune cell production also increases the body's defense capabilities and the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells.7. The health properties of astaxanthin
The use of astaxanthin prevents the development of type 2 diabetes and also promotes the improvement of glycemic parameters in people already diagnosed with the disease. Supplementation with natural dye through antioxidant activity and reduction of oxidative stress protects the β cells of the pancreas (responsible for the production of insulin) from being damaged. It prevents disorders related to glucose metabolism. There are studies confirming the beneficial effects of astaxthin on the carbohydrate economy.8. Improving the lipid parameters
Asthaxanthin has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system and protects against the development of cardiovascular disease (Y. Kishimoto, H. Yoshida, K. Kondo 2016). It also demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by increasing lipid metabolism.9. Regeneration and protection of the liver
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have a beneficial effect on the proper functioning of hepatocytes (liver cells). Studies have shown that astaxanthin can be both a preventative and therapeutic agent for many liver diseases.10. Neuroprotective properties
Astaxanthin also protects against nerve cells. This is primarily due to its high antioxidant activity and ability to inhibit inflammation. Oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory processes have adverse effects on neurons. Considering this, its neuroprotective properties are important in preventing diseases resulting from nerve cell damage. These include, among others, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These properties have been confirmed in scientific studies (Ch. Galasso 2018; S. Fakhri et al., 2019).11. Summary
Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants of natural origin. It has a wide range of anti-health effects on the human body. It is available as tablets or capsules.
