Astaxanthin

Table of Contents

Other names

Natural Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis)
Astaxanthin Oil
Astaxanthin Softgels

Synopsis

Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid pigment belonging to the xanthophyll subclass, naturally produced by microalgae (especially Haematococcus pluvialis), as well as accumulating in salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos, which owe their pinkish-red color to it. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant renowned for its exceptional free radical scavenging capacity, often considered significantly more potent than vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta-carotene.

Astaxanthin's unique molecular structure allows it to span the entire cell membrane, protecting both the interior and exterior from oxidative damage. It plays a powerful role in:

  • Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Supporting skin health and photoprotection
  • Enhancing muscle endurance and recovery
  • Improving eye health by crossing the blood-retinal barrier
  • Promoting cardiovascular health and lipid balance
  • Supporting cognitive function by crossing the blood-brain barrier

Because it does not become a pro-oxidant (unlike some other antioxidants at high doses), astaxanthin is considered a safe, stable, and protective antioxidant even at relatively high supplemental doses. It is often included in anti-aging, skin, vision, athletic performance, and heart health formulations, typically in doses ranging from 4 to 12 mg daily.

Historical Use:

Astaxanthin itself was isolated and identified in the 20th century through research into the pigmentation of aquatic organisms and microalgae, so it does not appear in traditional herbal medicine systems as an isolated compound. However, its natural sources—such as wild salmon, shrimp, and krill—have long been valued in indigenous Arctic, Pacific Islander, and coastal cultures for promoting strength, endurance, eye health, and resilience to environmental stress.

Additionally, in Japanese and Korean traditions, algae and marine foods have been incorporated into the diet and medicinal preparations for detoxification, longevity, and vitality, some of which likely contained astaxanthin-rich organisms even if not recognized by name.

Today, astaxanthin is produced primarily from cultivated microalgae and is a focal point in nutrigenomics and anti-aging research, appreciated for its cell membrane-protective, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-supportive properties. Its popularity continues to grow in functional medicine, sports nutrition, and cosmetic health, making it a leading example of a marine-derived nutraceutical with broad-spectrum systemic benefits.

Uses: Health Conditions

Aging (prevention) (Traditional)
Cartilage Damage (Traditional)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Convulsions (Traditional)
Coordination (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Breast Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Electromagnetic Pollution (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)

Body Systems

Muscles (Science)
Circulatory System (Science)
Eyes (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Skin (Science)