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Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review

Ranga Ambati, Siew-Moi Phang, Sarada Ravi and 1 more

Marine Drugs · 2014 · Review · CC BY

doi:10.3390/md12010128

Abstract

There is currently much interest in biological active compounds derived from natural resources, especially compounds that can efficiently act on molecular targets, which are involved in various diseases. Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β′-carotene-4,4′-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, contained in Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum, and Phaffia rhodozyma. It accumulates up to 3.8% on the dry weight basis in H. pluvialis. Our recent published data on astaxanthin extraction, analysis, stability studies, and its biological activities results were added to this review paper. Based on our results and current literature, astaxanthin showed potential biological activity in in vitro and in vivo models. These studies emphasize the influence of astaxanthin and its beneficial effects on the metabolism in animals and humans. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in animals was enhanced after feeding Haematococcus biomass as a source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, used as a nutritional supplement, antioxidant and anticancer agent, prevents diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, and also stimulates immunization. Astaxanthin products are used for commercial applications in the dosage forms as tablets, capsules, syrups, oils, soft gels, creams, biomass and granulated powders. Astaxanthin patent applications are available in food, feed and nutraceutical applications. The current review provides up-to-date information on astaxanthin sources, extraction, analysis, stability, biological activities, health benefits and special attention paid to its commercial applications.

Full text

From PubMed Central, U.S. National Library of Medicine, as current on Oct 16, 2026. Paragraph numbers are ours, so an answer can point at one.

1. Introduction

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid which is found in various microorganisms and marine animals. It is a red fat-soluble pigment which does not have pro-Vitamin A activity in the human body, although some of the studies reported that astaxanthin has more potent biological activity than other carotenoids. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has approved the use of astaxanthin as food colorant in animal and fish feed. The European Commission considers natural astaxanthin as a food dye. Haematococcus pluvialis is a green microalga, which accumulates high astaxanthin content under stress conditions such as high salinity, nitrogen deficiency, high temperature and light. Astaxanthin produced from H. pluvialis is a main source for human consumption. It is used as a source of pigment in the feed for salmon, trout and shrimp. For dietary supplement in humans and animals, astaxanthin is obtained from seafood or extracted from H. pluvialis. The consumption of astaxanthin can prevent or reduce risk of various disorders in humans and animals. The effects of astaxanthin on human health nutrition have been published by various authors. In our previous reviews, we included recent findings on the potential effects of astaxanthin and its esters on biological activities. The use of astaxanthin as a nutritional supplement has been rapidly growing in foods, feeds, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This present review paper provides information on astaxanthin sources, extraction methods, storage stability, biological activities, and health benefits for the prevention of various diseases and use in commercial applications.

2. Source of Astaxanthin

The natural sources of astaxanthin are algae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp and crayfish. Astaxanthin from various microorganism sources are presented in Table 1. The commercial astaxanthin is mainly from Phaffia yeast, Haematococcus and through chemical synthesis. Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the best sources of natural astaxanthin. Astaxanthin content in wild and farmed salmonids are shown in Figure 1. Among the wild salmonids, the maximum astaxanthin content in wild Oncorhynchus species was reported in the range of 26–38 mg/kg flesh in sockeye salmon whereas low astaxanthin content was reported in chum. Astaxanthin content in farmed Atlantic salmon was reported as 6–8 mg/kg flesh. Astaxanthin is available in the European (6 mg/kg flesh) and Japanese market (25 mg/kg flesh) from large trout. Shrimp, crab and salmon can serve as dietary sources of astaxanthin. Wild caught salmon is a good source of astaxanthin. In order to get 3.6 mg of astaxanthin one can eat 165 grams of salmon per day. Astaxanthin supplement at 3.6 mg per day can be beneficial to health as reported by Iwamoto et al..

3. Structure of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a member of the xanthophylls, because it contains not only carbon and hydrogen but also oxygen atoms (Figure 2). Astaxanthin consists of two terminal rings joined by a polyene chain. This molecule has two asymmetric carbons located at the 3, 3′ positions of the β-ionone ring with hydroxyl group (-OH) on either end of the molecule. In case one, hydroxyl group reacts with a fatty acid then it forms mono-ester, whereas when both hydroxyl groups are reacted with fatty acids the result is termed a di-ester. Astaxanthin exists in stereoisomers, geometric isomers, free and esterified forms. All of these forms are found in natural sources. The stereoisomers (3S, 3′S) and (3R 3′R) are the most abundant in nature. Haematococcus biosynthesizes the (3S, 3′S)-isomer whereas yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous produces (3R, 3′R)-isomer. Synthetic astaxanthin comprises isomers of (3S, 3′S) (3R, 3′S) and (3R, 3′R). The primary stereoisomer of astaxanthin found in the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is 3R, 3′R which contains mainly esterified form, whereas in wild Atlantic salmon it is 3S, 3′S which occurs as the free form. The relative percentage of astaxanthin and its esters in krill, copepod, shrimp and shell is shown in Figure 3. Astaxanthin has the molecular formula C40H52O4. Its molar mass is 596.84 g/mol.

4. Extraction and Analysis of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a lipophilic compound and can be dissolved in solvents and oils. Solvents, acids, edible oils, microwave assisted and enzymatic methods are used for astaxanthin extraction. Astaxanthin is accumulated in encysted cells of Haematococcus. Astaxanthin in Haematococcus was extracted with different acid treatments, hydrochloric acid giving up to 80% recovery of the pigment. When encysted cells were treated with 40% acetone at 80 °C for 2 min followed by kitalase, cellulose, abalone and acetone powder, 70% recovery of astaxanthin was obtained. High astaxanthin yield was observed with treatment of hydrochloric acid at various temperatures for 15 and 30 min using sonication. In another study, vegetable oils (soyabean, corn, olive and grape seed) were used to extract astaxanthin from Haematococcus. The culture was mixed with oils, and the astaxanthin inside the cell was extracted into the oils, with the highest recovery of 93% with olive oil. Astaxanthin (1.3 mg/g) was extracted from Phaffia rhodozyma under acid conditions. Microwave assisted extraction at 75 °C for 5 min resulted in 75% of astaxanthin; however, astaxanthin content was high in acetone extract. Astaxanthin yield from Haematococcus was 80%–90% using supercritical fluid extraction with ethanol and sunflower oil as co-solvent. Astaxanthin was extracted repeatedly with solvents, pooled and evaporated by rotary evaporator, then re-dissolved in solvent and absorbance of extract was measured at 476–480 nm to estimate the astaxanthin content. Further the extract can be analyzed for quantification of astaxanthin using high pressure liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectra.

5. Storage and Stability of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin stability was assessed in various carriers and storage conditions. Astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus and its stability in various edible oils was determined. Astaxanthin was stable at 70–90 °C in ricebran, gingelly and palm oils with 84%–90% of retention of astaxanthin content which can be used in food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, whereas astaxanthin content was reduced at 120 and 150 °C. Astaxanthin nanodispersions’ stability was evaluated in skimmed milk, orange juice and deionized water was used as a control. It was found that degradation of astaxanthin was significantly higher in skimmed milk than orange juice. In another study, stability of astaxanthin biomass was examined after drying and storage at various conditions for nine weeks. The results showed that degradation of astaxanthin was as low as 10% in biomass dried at 180/110 °C and stored at −21 °C under nitrogen after nine weeks of storage. The stability of astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma was studied and it was found that stability was high at pH 4.0 and at a lower temperature. The storage stability of astaxanthin was enhanced at 4 °C and 25 °C in a complex mixture of hydroxyproply-β-cyclodextrin and water. Astaxanthin stability was investigated using microencapsulation with chitosan, polymeric nanospheres, emulsions and β-cyclodextrin as reported by various authors.

6. Biochemistry of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin contains conjugated double bonds, hydroxyl and keto groups. It has both lipophilic and hydrophilic properties. The red color is due to the conjugated double bonds at the center of the compound. This type of conjugated double bond acts as a strong antioxidant by donating the electrons and reacting with free radicals to convert them to be more stable product and terminate free radical chain reaction in a wide variety of living organisms. Astaxanthin showed better biological activity than other antioxidants, because it could link with cell membrane from inside to outside (Figure 4).

7.1. Bioavailability

Dietary oils may enhance the absorption of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin with combination of fish oil promoted hypolipidemic/hypocholesterolemic effects in plasma and its increased phagocytic activity of activated neutrophils when compared with astaxanthin and fish oil alone. Astaxanthin was superior to fish oil in particular by improving immune response and lowering the risk of vascular and infectious diseases. The proliferation activity of T- and B-lymphocytes was diminished followed by lower levels of O2, H2O2 and NO production, increased antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and calcium release in cytosol after administration of astaxanthin with fish oil. Bioavailability and antioxidant properties of astaxanthin were enhanced in rat plasma and liver tissues after administration of Haematococcus biomass dispersed in olive oil.

Astaxanthin is a fat soluble compound, with increased absorption when consumed with dietary oils. Astaxanthin was shown to significantly influence immune function in several in vitro and in vivo assays. Lipophilic compounds such as astaxanthin are usually transformed metabolically before they are excreted, and metabolites of astaxanthin have been detected in various rat tissues. Astaxanthin bioavailability in human plasma was confirmed with single dosage of 100 mg. Its accumulation in humans was found after administration of Haematococcus biomass as source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin bioavailability in humans was enhanced by lipid based formulations; high amounts of carotenes solubilized into the oil phase of the food matrix can lead to greater bioavailability. A recent study reported that astaxanthin accumulation in rat plasma and liver was observed after feeding of Haematococcus biomass as source of astaxanthin.

7.2. Pharmacokinetics

Carotenoids are absorbed into the body like lipids and transported via the lymphatic system into the liver. The absorption of carotenoids is dependent on the accompanying dietary components. A high cholesterol diet may increase carotenoid absorption while a low fat diet reduces its absorption. Astaxanthin mixes with bile acid after ingestion and make micelles in the intestinum tenue. The micelles with astaxanthin are partially absorbed by intestinal mucosal cells. Intestinal mucosal cells incorporate astaxanthin into chylomicra. Chylomicra with astaxanthin are digested by lipoprotein lipase after releasing into the lymph within the systemic circulation, and chylomicron remnants are rapidly removed by the liver and other tissues. Astaxanthin is assimilated with lipoproteins and transported into the tissues. Of several naturally occurring carotenoids, astaxanthin is considered one of the best carotenoids being able to protect cells, lipids and membrane lipoproteins against oxidative damage.

8.1. Antioxidant Effects

An antioxidant is a molecule which can inhibit oxidation. Oxidative damage is initiated by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules have very high reactivity and are produced by normal aerobic metabolism in organisms. Excess oxidative molecules may react with proteins, lipids and DNA through chain reaction, to cause protein and lipid oxidation and DNA damage which are associated with various disorders. This type of oxidative molecules can be inhibited by endogenous and exogenous antioxidants such as carotenoids. Carotenoids contain polyene chain, long conjugated double bonds, which carry out antioxidant activities by quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging radicals to terminate chain reactions. The biological benefits of carotenoids may be due to their antioxidant properties attributed to their physical and chemical interactions with cell membranes. Astaxanthin had higher antioxidant activity when compared to various carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene reported by Naguib et al.. The antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were high in rat plasma and liver after feeding Haematococcus biomass as source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin in H. pluvialis offered the best protection from free radicals in rats followed by β-carotene and lutein. 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 activity of astaxanthin was 10 times more than zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, β-carotene and 100 times higher than α-tocopherol. The oxo functional group in carotenoids has higher antioxidant activity without pro-oxidative contribution. The polyene chain in astaxanthin traps radicals in the cell membrane, while the terminal ring of astaxanthin could scavenge radicals at the outer and inner parts of cell membrane (Figure 4). Antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated in the serum after astaxanthin was supplemented in the diet of rabbits, showing enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin reductase whereas paraoxonase was inhibited in the oxidative-induced rabbits. Antioxidant enzyme levels were increased when astaxanthin fed to ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rats.

8.2. Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Activity

Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure which enables it to stay both in and outside the cell membrane. It gives better protection than β-carotene and Vitamin C which can be positioned inside the lipid bilayer. 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. Astaxanthin and its esters showed 80% anti-lipid peroxidation activity in ethanol induced gastric ulcer rats and skin cancer rats. Astaxanthin inhibited lipid peroxidation in biological samples reported by various authors.

8.3. Anti-Inflammation

Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant to terminate the induction of inflammation in biological systems. Astaxanthin acts against inflammation. Algal cell extracts of Haematococcus and Chlorococcum significantly reduced bacterial load and gastric inflammation in H. pylori-infected mice. Park et al. reported astaxanthin reduced the DNA oxidative damage biomarker inflammation, thus enhancing immune response in young healthy adult female human subjects. Haines et al. reported lowered bronchoalveolar lavage fluid inflammatory cell numbers, and enhanced cAMP, cGMP levels in lung tissues after feeding astaxanthin with Ginkgo biloba extract and Vitamin C. Another study showed astaxanthin esters and total carotenoids from Haematococcus exerted a dose-dependent gastroprotective effect on acute, gastric lesions in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. This may be due to inhibition of H1, K1 ATPase, upregulation of mucin content and an increase in antioxidant activities. Astaxanthin showed protective effect on high glucose induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Astaxanthin is a promising molecule for the treatment of ocular inflammation in eyes as reported by the Japanese researchers. Astaxanthin can prevent skin thickening and reduce collagen reduction against UV induced skin damage.

8.4. Anti-Diabetic Activity

Generally, 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. It was also shown to be a good immunological agent in the recovery of lymphocyte dysfunctions associated with diabetic rats. In another study, ameliorate oxidative stress in streptozotocin-diabetes rats were inhibited by the combination of astaxanthin with α-tocopherol. It is also inhibited glycation and glycated protein induced cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by preventing lipid/protein oxidation. Improved insulin sensitivity in both spontaneously hypertensive corpulent rats and mice on high fat plus high fructose diets was observed after feeding with astaxanthin. The urinary albumin level in astaxanthin treated diabetic mice was significantly lower than the control group. Some of the studies demonstrated that astaxanthin prevents diabetic nephropathy by reduction of the oxidative stress and renal cell damage.

8.5. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory activity and its effect examined in both experimental animals and human subjects. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological features of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Astaxanthin is a potential therapeutic agent against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The efficacy of disodium disuccinate astaxanthin (DDA) in protecting mycocardium using mycocardial ischemia reperfusion model in animals was evaluated. Myocardial infarct size was reduced in Sprague Dawley rats, and improved in myocardial salvage in rabbits after four days of pre-treatment with DDA at 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg body weight. Astaxanthin was found in rat mycocardial tissues after pretreatment with DDA at dosage of 150 and 500 mg/kg/day for seven days. Astaxanthin effects on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (NWKR) and stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SPSHR) were reported. Astaxanthin was found in the plasma, heart, liver, platelets, and increased basal arterial blood flow in mice fed with astaxanthin derivative. Human umbilical vien endothelial cells and platelets treated with the astaxanthin showed increased nitric oxide levels and decrease in peroxynitrite levels. Mice fed 0.08% astaxanthin had higher heart mitochondrial membrane potential and contractility index compared to the control group. Astaxanthin effects on paraoxonase, thioredoxin reductase activities, oxidative stress parameters and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rabbits were evaluated. Astaxanthin prevented the activities of those enzymes from hypercholesterolemia induced protein oxidation at the dosages of 100 mg and 500 mg/100 g.

8.6. Anticancer Activity

The specific antioxidant dose may be helpful for the early detection of various degenerative disorders. Reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical are generated in normal aerobic metabolism. Singlet oxygen is generated by photochemical events whereas peroxyl radicals are produced by lipid peroxidation. These oxidants contribute to aging and degenerative diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis through oxidation of DNA, proteins and lipids. Antioxidant compounds decrease mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by inhibiting oxidative damage to cells. Cell–cell communication through gap junctions is lacking in human tumors and its restoration tends to decrease tumor cell proliferation. Gap junctional communication occurs due to an increase in the connexin-43 protein via upregulation of the connexin-43 gene. Gap junctional communication was improved in between the cells by natural carotenoids and retinoids. Canthaxanthin and astaxanthin derivatives enhanced gap junctional communication between mouse embryo fibroblasts. Increased connexin-43 expression in murine fibroblast cells by β-carotene was reported. Astaxanthin showed significant antitumor activity when compared to other carotenoids like canthaxanthin and β-carotene. It also inhibited the growth of fibrosarcoma, breast, and prostate cancer cells and embryonic fibroblasts. Increased gap junctional intercellular communication in primary human skin fibroblasts cells were observed when treated with astaxanthin. Astaxanthin inhibited cell death, cell proliferation and mammary tumors in chemically induced male/female rats and mice. H. pluvialis extract inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells by arresting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis reported by Palozza et al.. Nitroastaxanthin and 15-nitroastaxanthin are the products of astaxanthin with peroxynitrite, 15-nitroastaxanthin anticancer properties were evaluated in a mouse model. Epstein-Barr virus and carcinogenesis in mouse skin papillomas were significantly inhibited by astaxanthin treatment.

8.7. Immuno-Modulation

Immune system cells are very sensitive to free radical damage. The cell membrane contains poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Antioxidants in particular astaxanthin offer protection against free radical damage to preserve immune-system defenses. There are reports on astaxanthin and its effect on immunity in animals under laboratory conditions however clinical research is lacking in humans. Astaxanthin showed higher immuno-modulating effects in mouse model when compared to β-carotene. Enhanced antibody production and decreased humoral immune response in older animals after dietary supplementation of astaxanthin was reported. Astaxanthin produced immunoglobulins in human cells in a laboratory study. Eight week-supplementation of astaxanthin in humans resulted in increased blood levels of astaxanthin and improved activity of natural killer cells which targeted and destroyed cells infected with viruses. In this study, T and B cells were increased, DNA damage was low, and C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly lower in the astaxanthin supplemented group. Recent reports on astaxanthin biological activities are presented in Table 2.

9. Safety and Dose of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is safe, with no side effects when it is consumed with food. It is lipid soluble, accumulates in animal tissues after feeding of astaxanthin to rats and no toxic effects were found. Excessive astaxanthin consumption leads to yellow to reddish pigmentation of the skin in animals. Astaxanthin is incorporated into fish feed, resulting in the fish skin becoming reddish in color. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels significantly increased in rats after oral dosage of astaxanthin. A study reported that blood pressure (bp) was reduced in stroke prone rats and in hypertensive rats by feeding 50 mg/kg astaxanthin for five weeks and 14 days, respectively. Astaxanthin was also shown significant protection against naproxen induced gastric, antral ulcer and inhibited lipid peroxidation levels in gastric mucosa. Astaxanthin accumulation in eyes was observed when astaxanthin was fed to rats. Astaxanthin extracted from Paracoccus carotinifaciens showed potential antioxidant and also anti-ulcer properties in murine models as reported by Murata et al.. Astaxanthin bioavailability was increased with supplement of lipid based formulations. Supratherapeutic concentrations of astaxanthin had no adverse effects on platelet, coagulation and fibrinolytic function. Research has so far reported no significant side effects of astaxanthin consumption in animals and humans. These results support the safety of astaxanthin for future clinical studies.

It is recommended to administer astaxanthin with omega-3 rich seed oils such as chia, flaxseed, fish, nutella, walnuts and almonds. The combination of astaxanthin (4–8 mg) with foods, soft gels and capsules and cream is available in the market. Recommended dose of astaxanthin is 2–4 mg/day. A study reported that no adverse effects were found with the administration of astaxanthin (6 mg/day) in adult human subjects. Astaxanthin effects on human blood rheology were investigated in adult men subjects with a single-blind method after administration of astaxanthin at 6 mg/day for 10 days. Recent studies on astaxanthin dosage effects on human health benefits were presented in Table 3.

10. Commercial Applications of Astaxanthin

In the present scenario, production of astaxanthin from natural sources has become one of the most successful activities in biotechnology. Astaxanthin has great demand in food, feed, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. This has promoted major efforts to improve astaxanthin production from biological sources instead of synthetic ones. According to the current literature, astaxanthin is used in various commercial applications in the market. Astaxanthin products are available in the form of capsule, soft gel, tablet, powder, biomass, cream, energy drink, oil and extract in the market (Table 4). Some of the astaxanthin products were made with combination of other carotenoids, multivitamins, herbal extracts and omega-3, 6 fatty acids. Patent applications are available on astaxanthin for preventing bacterial infection, inflammation, vascular failure, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, reducing cell damage and body fat, and improving brain function and skin thickness (Table 5). Astaxanthin containing microorganisms or animals find many applications in a wide range of commercial activities, the reason for which astaxanthin enriched microalgae production can provide more attractive benefits.

11. Conclusion

The current research data on astaxanthin is encouraging and have resulted from well controlled trials in in vitro and in vivo models. Astaxanthin showed potential effects on various diseases including cancers, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, neurodegenerative, and skin diseases. Its antioxidant properties are used against oxidative damage in diseased cells. Recently, our laboratory isolated and characterized astaxanthin and its esters from Haematococcus and checked their biological activities in in vitro and in vivo models, confirming that astaxanthin and its esters show potential biological activities in animal models. However, there is a lack of research on astaxanthin esters (mono-di) and their metabolic pathways in biological systems. Future research should focus on effects of astaxanthin esters on various biological activities and their uses in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Astaxanthin mono-diesters may increase biological activities better than the free form which can be easily absorbed into the metabolism. Further research requires to be investigated on their metabolic pathways and also molecular studies in in vitro and in vivo models for their use in commercial purposes.

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  27. 27.

    Zhang D.H., Ng M.L., Phang S.M. Composition and accumulation of secondary carotenoids in Chlorococcum sp. J. Appl. Phycol. 1997;9:147-155.

    Not in our library10.1023/a:1007926528388

  28. 28.

    Wang Y., Peng J. Growth associated biosynthesis of astaxanthin in heterotrophic Chlorella zofingiensis (Chlorophyta). World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2008;24:1915-1922.

    Not in our library10.1007/s11274-008-9692-8

  29. 29.

    Orosa M., Torres E., Fidalgo P., Abalde J. Production and analysis of secondary carotenoids in green algae. J. Appl. Phycol. 2000;12:553-556.

    Not in our library10.1023/a:1008173807143

  30. 30.

    Banerjee K., Ghosh R., Homechaudhuri S., Mitra A. Biochemical composition of marine macroalgae from gangetic delta at the apex of Bay of Bengal. Afr. J. Basic Appl. Sci. 2009;1:96-104.

    Not in our library

  31. 31.

    Yokoyama A., Adachi K., Shizuri Y. New carotenoid glucosides, astaxanthin glucoside and adonimxanthin glucoside, isolated from the astaxanthin producing marine bacterium, Agrobacterium aurantiacum. J. Nat. Prod. 1995;58:1929-1933.

    Not in our library

  32. 32.

    EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Safety and efficacy of panaferd-AX(red carotenoid rich bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens as feed additive for salmon and trout. EFSA J. 2007;546:1-30.

    Not in our library

  33. 33.

    Kim J.H., Kang S.W., Kim S.W., Chang H.I. High-level production of astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous mutant JH1 using statistical experimental designs. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2005;69:1743-1748.

    Not in our library10.1271/bbb.69.1743

  34. 34.

    De la Fuente J.L., Rodríguez-Sáiz M., Schleissner C., Díez B., Peiro E., Barredo J.L. High-titer production of astaxanthin by the semi-industrial fermentation of Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. J. Biotechnol. 2010;148:144-146.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.jbiotec.2010.05.004

  35. 35.

    Yamaoka Y. Microorganism and production of carotenoid compounds. U.S. Patent. 2008.

    Not in our library

  36. 36.

    Meyers S.P., Bligh D. Characterization of astaxanthin pigments from heat processed crawfish waste. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1981;3:505-508.

    Not in our library10.1021/jf00105a017

  37. 37.

    Foss P., Renstrøm B., Liaaen-Jensen S. Natural occurrence of enantiomeric and meso astaxanthin. 7-crustaceans including zooplankton. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B. 1987;86B:313-314.

    Not in our library

  38. 38.

    Sarada R., Vidhyavathi R., Usha D., Ravishankar G.A. An efficient method for extraction of astaxanthin from green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2006;54:7585-7588.

    Not in our library10.1021/jf060737t

  39. 39.

    Kobayashi M., Kurimura Y., Sakamoto Y., Tsuji Y. Selective extraction of astaxanthin and chlorophyll from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Biotechnol. Tech. 1997;11:657-660.

    Not in our library10.1023/a:1018455209445

  40. 40.

    Mendes-Pinto M.M., Raposo M.F.J., Bowen J., Young A.J., Morais R. Evaluation of different cell disruption processes on encysted cells of Haematococcus pluvialis: Effects on astaxanthin recovery and implications for bio-availability. J. Appl. Phycol. 2001;13:19-24.

    Not in our library10.1023/a:1008183429747

  41. 41.

    Kang C.D., Sim S.J. Direct extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus culture using vegetable oils. Biotechnol. Lett. 2008;30:441-444.

    Not in our library10.1007/s10529-007-9578-0

  42. 42.

    Ni H., Chen Q.H., He G.Q., Wu G.B., Yang Y.F. Optimization of acidic extraction of astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma. J. Zhejiang Univ. Sci. B. 2008;9:51-59.

    Not in our library10.1631/jzus.b061261

  43. 43.

    Ruen-ngam D., Shotipruk A., Pavasant P. Comparison of extraction methods for recovery of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. Sep. Sci. Technol. 2010;46:64-70.

    Not in our library10.1080/01496395.2010.493546

  44. 44.

    Storebakken T., Sørensen M., Bjerkeng B., Harris J., Monahan P., Hiu S. Stability of astaxanthin from the red yeast, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, during feed processing: Effects of enzymatic cell wall disruption and extrusion temperature. Aquaculture. 2004;231:489-500.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.aquaculture.2003.10.034

  45. 45.

    Machmudah S., Shotipruk A., Goto M., Sasaki M., Hirose T. Extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis using supercritical CO2 and ethanol as entrainer. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2006;45:3652-3657.

    Not in our library10.1021/ie051357k

  46. 46.

    Nobre B., Marcelo F., Passos R., Beiro L., Palavra A., Gouveia L., Mendes R. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of astaxanthin and other carotenoids from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Eur. Food Res. Technol. 2006;223:787-790.

    Not in our library10.1007/s00217-006-0270-8

  47. 47.

    Wang L., Yang B., Yan B., Yao X. Supercritical fluid extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis and its antioxidant potential in sunflower oil. Innov. Food Sci. Emerg. Technol. 2012;13:120-127.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.ifset.2011.09.004

  48. 48.

    Ranga Rao A., Sarada R., Ravishankar G.A. Stabilization of astaxanthin in edible oils and its use as an antioxidant. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2007;87:957-965.

    Not in our library10.1002/jsfa.2766

  49. 49.

    Anarjan N., Tan C.P. Chemical stability of astaxanthin nanodispersions in orange juice and skimmed milk as model food systems. Food Chem. 2013;139:527-531.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.01.012

  50. 50.

    Raposo M.F.J., Morais A.M.M.B., Morais R.S.C. Effects of spray drying and storage on astaxanthin content of Haematococcus pluvialis biomass. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2012;28:1253-1257.

    Not in our library10.1007/s11274-011-0929-6

  51. 51.

    Villalobos-Castillejos F., Cerezal-Mezquita P., Hemandez-De Jesus M.L., Barragan-Huerta B.E. Production and stability of water-dispersible astaxanthin oleoresin from Phaffia rhodozyma. Int. J. Food Sci. Technol. 2013;48:1243-1251.

    Not in our library10.1111/ijfs.12083

  52. 52.

    Yuan C., Du L., Jin Z., Xu X. Storage stability and antioxidant activity of complex of astaxanthin with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Carbohydr. Polym. 2013;91:385-389.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.carbpol.2012.08.059

  53. 53.

    Higuera-Ciapara I., Felix-Valenzuela L., Goycoolea F.M., Arguelles-Monal W. Microencapsulation of astaxanthin in a chitosan matrix. Carbohydr. Polym. 2004;56:41-45.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.carbpol.2003.11.012

  54. 54.

    Tachaprutinun A., Udomsup T., Luadthong C., Wanichwecharungruang S. Preventing the thermal degradation of astaxanthin through nanoencapsulation. Int. J. Pharm. 2009;374:119-124.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.03.001

  55. 55.

    Ribeiro H.S., Rico L.G., Badolato G.G., Schubert H. Production of O/W emulsions containing astaxanthin by repeated premix membrane emulsification. J. Food Sci. 2005;70:E117-E123.

    Not in our library

  56. 56.

    Chen X., Chen R., Guo Z., Li C., Li P. The preparation and stability of the inclusion complex of astaxanthin with β-cyclodextrin. Food Chem. 2007;101:1580-1584.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.04.020

  57. 57.

    Barros M.P., Marin D.P., Bolin A.P., de Cássia Santos Macedo R., Campoio T.R., Fineto C., Guerra B.A., Polotow T.G., Vardaris C., Mattei R., et al. Combined astaxanthin and fish oil supplementation improves glutathione-based redox balance in rat plasma and neutrophils. Chem. Biol. Interact. 2012;197:58-67.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.cbi.2012.03.005

  58. 58.

    Otton R., Marin D.P., Bolin A.P., de Cássia Santos Macedo R., Campoio T.R., Fineto C.J., Guerra B.A., Leite J.R., Barros M.P., Mattei R. Combined fish oil and astaxanthin supplementation modulates rat lymphocyte function. Eur. J. Nutr. 2012;51:707-718.

    Not in our library10.1007/s00394-011-0250-z

  59. 59.

    Page G.I., Davies S.J. Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin do not induce liver or kidney xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. C Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2002;133C:443-451.

    Not in our library10.1016/s1532-0456(02)00168-0

  60. 60.

    Osterlie M., Bjerkeng B., Liaaen-Jensen S. Plasma appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z isomers in plasma lipoproteins of after single dose administration of astaxanthin. J. Nutr. Biochem. 2000;11:482-492.

    Not in our library10.1016/s0955-2863(00)00104-2

  61. 61.

    Okada Y., Ishikura M., Maoka T. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in Haematococcus algal extract: the effects of timing of diet and smoking habits. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2009;73:1928-1932.

    Not in our library10.1271/bbb.90078

  62. 62.

    Olson J.A. Carotenoids: absorption, transport, and metabolism of carotenoids in humans. Pure Appl. Chem. 2004;66:1011-1016.

    Not in our library10.1351/pac199466051011

  63. 63.

    Naguib Y.M.A. Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2000;48:1150-1154.

    Not in our library10.1021/jf991106k

  64. 64.

    Liu X., Osawa T. Cis astaxanthin and especially 9-cis astaxanthin exhibits a higher antioxidant activity in vitro compared to the all trans isomer. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2007;357:187-193.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.03.120

  65. 65.

    Miki W. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure Appl. Chem. 1991;63:141-146.

    Not in our library10.1351/pac199163010141

  66. 66.

    Martin H.D., Jager C., Ruck C., Schmidt M. Anti and pro-oxidant properties of carotenoids. J. Prakt. Chem. 1999;341:302-308.

    Not in our library10.1002/(sici)1521-3897(199904)341:3<302::aid-prac302>3.0.co;2-6

  67. 67.

    Augusti P.R., Quatrin A., Somacal S., Conterato G.M., Sobieskim R., Ruviaro A.R., Maurer L.H., Duarte M.M., Roehrs M., Emanuelli T. Astaxanthin prevents changes in the activities of thioredoxin reductase and paraoxonase in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2012;51:42-49.

    Not in our library10.3164/jcbn.11-74

  68. 68.

    Kamath B.S., Srikanta B.M., Dharmesh S.M., Sarada R., Ravishankar G.A. Ulcer preventive and antioxidative properties of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2008;590:387-395.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.06.042

  69. 69.

    Goto S., Kogure K., Abe K., Kimata Y., Yamashita E., Terada H. Efficient radical trapping at the surface and inside the phospholipid membrane is responsible for highly potent antiperoxidative activity of the carotenoid astaxanthin. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 2001;1512:251-258.

    Not in our library10.1016/s0005-2736(01)00326-1

  70. 70.

    Liu B.H., Lee Y.K. Effect of total secondary carotenoids extracts from Chlorococcum sp. on Helicobacter pylori infected BALB/c mice. Int. Immunopharmacol. 2003;3:979-986.

    Not in our library10.1016/s1567-5769(03)00096-1

  71. 71.

    Bennedsen M., Wang X., Willen R., Wadstrom T., Andersen L.P. Treatment of H. pylori infected mice with antioxidant astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation, bacterial load and modulates cytokine release by splenocytes. Immunol. Lett. 1999;70:185-189.

    Not in our library10.1016/s0165-2478(99)00145-5

  72. 72.
  73. 73.

    Haines D.D., Varga B., Bak I., Juhasz B., Mahmoud F.F, Kalantari H., Gesztelyi R., Lekli I., Czompa A., Tosaki A. Summative interaction between astaxanthin, Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) and vitamin C in suppression of respiratory inflammation: A comparison with ibuprofen. Phytother. Res. 2011;25:128-136.

    Not in our library10.1002/ptr.3160

  74. 74.

    Ohgami K., Shiratori K., Kotake S., Nishida T., Mizuki N., Yazawa K., Ohno S. Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2003;44:2694-2701.

    Not in our library10.1167/iovs.02-0822

  75. 75.

    Suzuki Y., Ohgami K., Shiratori K., Jin X.H., Llieva I., Koyama Y., Yazawa K., Yoshidia K., Kase S., Ohno S. Suppressive effects of astaxanthin against rat endotoxin induced uveitis by inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway. Exp. Eye Res. 2006;82:275-281.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.exer.2005.06.023

  76. 76.

    Hama S., Takahashi K., Inai Y., Shiota K., Sakamoto R., Yamada A., Tsuchiya H., Kanamura K., Yamashita E., Kogure K. Protective effects of topical application of a poorly soluble antioxidant astaxanthin liposomal formulation on ultraviolet-induced skin damage. J. Pharm. Sci. 2012;101:2909-2916.

    Not in our library10.1002/jps.23216

  77. 77.

    Santos S.D., Cahú T.B., Firmino G.O., de Castro C.C., Carvalho L.B.J., Bezerra R.S., Filho J.L. Shrimp waste extract and astaxanthin: Rat alveolar macrophage, oxidative stress and inflammation. J. Food Sci. 2012;77:141-146.

    Not in our library10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02762.x

  78. 78.

    Uchiyama K., Naito Y., Hasegawa G., Nakamura N., Takahashi J., Yoshikawa T. Astaxanthin protects β-cells against glucose toxicity in diabetic db/db mice. Redox Rep. 2002;7:290-293.

    Not in our library10.1179/135100002125000811

  79. 79.

    Otton R., Marin D.P., Bolin A.P., Santos R.C., Polotow T.G., Sampaio S.C., De Barros M.P. Astaxanthin ameliorates the redox imbalance in lymphocytes of experimental diabetic rats. Chem. Biol. Interact. 2010;186:306-315.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.cbi.2010.05.011

  80. 80.

    Nakano M., Onodera A., Saito E., Tanabe M., Yajima K., Takahashi J., Nguyen V.C. Effect of astaxanthin in combination with α-tocopherol or ascorbic acid against oxidative damage in diabetic ODS rats. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 2008;54:329-334.

    Not in our library10.3177/jnsv.54.329

  81. 81.

    Nishigaki I., Rajendran P., Venugopal R., Ekambaram G., Sakthisekaran D., Nishigaki Y. Cytoprotective role of astaxanthin against glycated protein/iron chelate-induced toxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Phytother. Res. 2010;24:54-59.

    Not in our library10.1002/ptr.2867

  82. 82.

    Hussein G., Nakagawa T., Goto H., Shimada Y., Matsumoto K., Sankawa U., Watanabe H. Astaxanthin ameliorates features of metabolic syndrome in SHR/NDmcr-cp. Life Sci. 2007;80:522-529.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.lfs.2006.09.041

  83. 83.

    Bhuvaneswari S., Arunkumar E., Viswanathan P., Anuradha C.V. Astaxanthin restricts weight gain, promotes insulin sensitivity and curtails fatty liver disease in mice fed an obesity-promoting diet. Process Biochem. 2010;45:1406-1414.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.procbio.2010.05.016

  84. 84.

    Bhuvaneswari S., Yogalakshmi B., Sreeja S., Anuradha C.V. Astaxanthin reduces hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress and nuclear factor-κB-mediated inflammation in high fructose and high fat diet-fed mice. Cell Stress Chaperones. 2013.

    Not in our library10.1007/s12192-013-0443-x

  85. 85.

    Naito Y., Uchiyama K., Aoi W., Hasegawa G., Nakamura N., Yoshida N., Maoka T., Takahashi J., Yoshikawa T. Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice. BioFactors. 2004;20:49-59.

    Not in our library10.1002/biof.5520200105

  86. 86.

    Kim Y.J., Kim Y.A., Yokozawa T. Protection against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of high glucose- exposed proximal tubular epithelial cells by astaxanthin. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009;57:8793-8797.

    Not in our library10.1021/jf9019745

  87. 87.

    Manabe E., Handa O., Naito Y., Mizushima K., Akagiri S., Adachi S., Takagi T., Kokura S., Maoka T., Yoshikawa T. Astaxanthin protects mesangial cells from hyperglycemia induced oxidative signaling. J. Cell Biochem. 2008;103:1925-1937.

    Not in our library10.1002/jcb.21583

  88. 88.
  89. 89.

    Lauver D.A., Lockwood S.F., Lucchesi B.R. Disodium disuccinate astaxanthin (Cardax) attenuates complement activation and reduces myocardial injury following ischemia/reperfusion. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2005;314:686-692.

    Not in our library10.1124/jpet.105.087114

  90. 90.

    Gross G.J., Lockwood S.F. Acute and chronic administration of disodium disuccinate astaxanthin (Cardax) produces marked cardioprotection in dog hearts. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 2005;272:221-227.

    Not in our library10.1007/s11010-005-7555-2

  91. 91.

    Gross G.J., Hazen S.L., Lockwood S.F. Seven day oral supplementation with Cardax (disodium disuccinate astaxanthin) provides significant cardioprotection and reduces oxidative stress in rats. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 2006;283:23-30.

    Not in our library10.1007/s11010-006-2217-6

  92. 92.

    Monroy-Ruiz J., Sevilla M.Á., Carrón R., Montero M.J. Astaxanthin-enriched-diet reduces blood pressure and improves cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pharmacol. Res. 2011;63:44-50.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.phrs.2010.09.003

  93. 93.

    Khan S.K., Malinski T., Mason R.P., Kubant R., Jacob R.F., Fujioka K., Denstaedt S.J., King T.J., Jackson H.L., Hieber A.D., et al. Novel astaxanthin prodrug (CDX-085) attenuates thrombosis in a mouse model. Thromb. Res. 2010;126:299-305.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.thromres.2010.07.003

  94. 94.

    Nakao R., Nelson O.L., Park J.S., Mathison B.D., Thompson P.A., Chew B.P. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammation and cardiac function in BALB/c mice. Anticancer Res. 2010;30:2721-2725.

    Not in our library

  95. 95.

    Ryu S.K., King T.J., Fujioka K., Pattison J., Pashkow F.J., Tsimikas S. Effect of an oral astaxanthin prodrug (CDX-085) on lipoprotein levels and progression of atherosclerosis in LDLR and ApoE mice. Atherosclerosis. 2012;222:99-105.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.02.002

  96. 96.

    Wolf G. Retinoids and carotenoids as inhibitors of carcinogenesis and inducers of cell-cell communication. Nutr. Rev. 1992;50:270-274.

    Not in our library10.1111/j.1753-4887.1992.tb01345.x

  97. 97.

    Hanusch M., Stahl W., Schulz W.A., Sies H. Induction of gap junctional communication by 4-oxoretinoic acid generated from its precursor canthaxanthin. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1995;317:423-428.

    Not in our library10.1006/abbi.1995.1184

  98. 98.

    Hix L.M., Lockwood S.F., Bertram J.S. Upregulation of connexin 43 protein expression and increased gap junctional communication by water soluble disodium disuccinate astaxanthin derivatives. Cancer Lett. 2006;211:25-37.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.canlet.2004.01.036

  99. 99.

    Daubrawa F., Sies H., Stahl W. Astaxanthin diminishes gap junctional intercellular communication in primary human fibroblasts. J. Nutr. 2005;135:2507-2511.

    Not in our library10.1093/jn/135.11.2507

  100. 100.

    Zhang L.X., Cooney R.V., Bertram J.S. Carotenoids enhance gap junctional communication and inhibit lipid peroxidation in C3H/10T1/2 cells: relationship to their cancer chemopreventive action. Carcinogenesis. 1991;12:2109-2114.

    Not in our library10.1093/carcin/12.11.2109

  101. 101.

    Zhang L.X., Cooney R.V., Bertram J.S. Carotenoids up-regulate connexin-43 gene expression independent of their provitamin A or antioxidant properties. Cancer Res. 1992;52:5707-5712.

    Not in our library

  102. 102.

    Chew B.P., Park J.S. Carotenoid action on the immune response. J. Nutr. 2004;134:257S-261S.

    Not in our library10.1093/jn/134.1.257s

  103. 103.

    Chew B.P., Park J.S., Wong M.W., Wong T.S. A comparison of the anticancer activities of dietary β-carotene, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin in mice in vivo. Anticancer Res. 1999;19:1849-1853.

    Not in our library

  104. 104.

    Palozza P., Torelli C., Boninsegna A., Simone R., Catalano A., Mele M.C., Picci N. Growth-inhibitory effects of the astaxanthin-rich alga Haematococcus pluvialis in human colon cancer cells. Cancer Lett. 2009;283:108-117.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.canlet.2009.03.031

  105. 105.

    Tanaka T., Makita H., Ohnishi M., Mori H., Satoh K., Hara A. Chemoprevention of rat oral carcinogenesis by naturally occurring xanthophyll’s, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. Cancer Res. 1995;55:4059-4064.

    Not in our library

  106. 106.

    Tanaka T., Morishita Y., Suzui M., Kojima T., Okumura A., Mori H. Chemoprevention of mouse urinary bladder carcinogenesis by the naturally occurring carotenoid astaxanthin. Carcinogenesis. 1994;15:15-19.

    Not in our library10.1093/carcin/15.1.15

  107. 107.

    Jyonouchi H., Sun S., Iijima K., Gross M.D. Antitumor activity of astaxanthin and its mode of action. Nutr. Cancer. 2000;36:59-65.

    Not in our library10.1207/s15327914nc3601_9

  108. 108.

    Prabhu P.N., Ashokkumar P., Sudhandiran G. Antioxidative and anti-proliferative effects of astaxanthin during the initiation stages of 1,2-dimethyl hydrazineinduced experimental colon carcinogenesis. Fund. Clin. Pharmacol. 2009;23:225-234.

    Not in our library10.1111/j.1472-8206.2009.00669.x

  109. 109.

    Nakao R., Nelson O.L., Park J.S., Mathison B.D., Thompson P.A., Chew B.P. Effect of dietary astaxanthin at different stages of mammary tumor initiation in BALB/c mice. Anticancer Res. 2010;30:2171-2175.

    Not in our library

  110. 110.

    Maoka T., Tokuda H., Suzuki N., Kato H., Etoh H. Anti-oxidative, anti-tumor-promoting, and anti-carcinogenesis activities of nitroastaxanthin and nitrolutein, the reaction products of astaxanthin and lutein with peroxynitrite. Mar. Drugs. 2012;10:1391-1399.

    Not in our library10.3390/md10061391

  111. 111.

    Jyonouchi H., Hill R., Tomita Y., Good R. Studies of immunomodulating actions of carotenoids. I. Effects of β-carotene and astaxanthin on murine lymphocyte functions and cell surface marker expression in in vitro culture system. Nutr. Cancer. 1991;16:93-105.

    Not in our library10.1080/01635589109514148

  112. 112.

    Jyonouchi H., Zhang L., Gross M., Tomita Y. Immunomodulating actions of carotenoids: Enhancement of in vivo and in vitro antibody production to T-dependent antigens. Nutr. Cancer. 1994;21:47-58.

    Not in our library10.1080/01635589409514303

  113. 113.

    Jyonouchi H., Sun S., Gross M. Effect of carotenoids on in vitro immunoglobulin production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: astaxanthin, a carotenoid without vitamin A activity, enhances in vitro immunoglobulin production in response to a T-dependent stimulant and antigen. Nutr. Cancer. 1995;23:171-183.

    Not in our library10.1080/01635589509514373

  114. 114.

    Park J.S., Mathison B.D., Hayek M.G., Massimino S., Reinhart G.A., Chew B.P. Astaxanthin stimulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in cats. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 2011;144:455-461.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.08.019

  115. 115.

    Choi H.D., Kang H.E., Yang S.H., Lee M.G., Shin W.G. Pharmacokinetics and first-pass metabolism of astaxanthin in rats. Br. J. Nutr. 2011;105:220-227.

    Not in our library10.1017/s0007114510003454

  116. 116.

    Sila A., Ayed-Ajmi Y., Sayari N., Nasri M., Martinez-Alvarez O., Bougatef A. Antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities of astaxanthin extracted from the shell waste of deep-water pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris). Nat. Prod. J. 2013;3:82-89.

    Not in our library

  117. 117.

    Kim J.H., Chang M.J., Choi H.D., Youn Y.K., Kim J.T., Oh J.M., Shin W.G. Protective effects of Haematococcus astaxanthin on oxidative stress in healthy smokers. J. Med. Food. 2011;14:1469-1475.

    Not in our library10.1089/jmf.2011.1626

  118. 118.

    Nakagawa K., Kiko T., Miyazawa T., Carpentero Burdeos G., Kimura F., Satoh A., Miyazawa T. Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. Br. J. Nutr. 2011;105:1563-1571.

    Not in our library10.1017/s0007114510005398

  119. 119.

    Yang Y., Seo J.M., Nguyen A., Pham T.X., Park H.J., Park Y., Kim B., Bruno R.S., Lee J. Astaxanthin-rich extract from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis lowers plasma lipid concentrations and enhances antioxidant defense in apolipoprotein E knockout mice. J. Nutr. 2011;141:1611-1617.

    Not in our library10.3945/jn.111.142109

  120. 120.

    Ishiki M., Nishida Y., Ishibashi H., Wada T., Fujisaka S., Takikawa A., Urakaze M., Sasaoka T., Usui I., Tobe K. Impact of divergent effects of astaxanthin on insulin signaling in l6 cells. Endocrinology. 2013;154:2600-2612.

    Not in our library10.1210/en.2012-2198

  121. 121.

    Huangfu J., Liu J., Sun Z., Wang M., Jiang Y., Chen Z.Y., Chen F. Anti-ageing effects of astaxanthin-rich alga Haematococcus pluvialis on fruit flies under oxidative stress. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2013;6:7800-7804.

    Not in our library10.1021/jf402224w

  122. 122.

    Chew W., Mathison B.D., Kimble L.L., Mixter P.F., Chew B.P. Astaxanthin decreases inflammatory biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Am. J. Adv. Food Sci. Technol. 2013;1:1-17.

    Not in our library

  123. 123.

    Park J.S., Mathison B.D., Hayek M.G., Zhang J., Reinhart G.A., Chew B.P. Astaxanthin modulates age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in healthy dogs. J. Animal Sci. 2013;91:268-275.

    Not in our library10.2527/jas.2012-5341

  124. 124.
  125. 125.

    Wibrand K., Berge K., Messaoudi M., Duffaud A., Panja D., Bramham C.R., Burri L. Enhanced cognitive function and antidepressant-like effects after krill oil supplementation in rats. Lipids Health Dis. 2013;12:1-13.

    Not in our library10.1186/1476-511x-12-1

  126. 126.

    Turkez H., Geyikoglu F., Yousef M.I. Beneficial effect of astaxanthin on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced liver injury in rats. Toxicol. Ind. Health. 2012;29:591-599.

    Not in our library10.1177/0748233711434959

  127. 127.

    Chan K.C., Pen P.J., Yin M.C. Anti-coagulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin in diabetic rats. J. Food Sci. 2012;77:H76-H80.

    Not in our library10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02558.x

  128. 128.

    Dong L.Y., Jin J., Lu G., Kang X.L. Astaxanthin attenuates the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in db/db mice by inhibition of oxidative stress. Mar. Drugs. 2013;11:960-974.

    Not in our library10.3390/md11030960

  129. 129.

    Iizuka M., Ayaori M., Uto-Kondo H., Yakushiji E., Takiguchi S., Nakaya K., Hisada T., Sasaki M., Komatsu T., Yogo M., et al. Astaxanthin enhances ATP-binding cassette transporter A1/G1 expressions and cholesterol efflux from macrophages. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. (Tokyo). 2012;58:96-104.

    Not in our library10.3177/jnsv.58.96

  130. 130.

    Yoshida H., Yanai H., Ito K., Tomono Y., Koikeda T., Tsukahara H., Tada N. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2010;209:520-523.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.10.012

  131. 131.

    Chang C.H., Chen C.Y., Chiou J.Y., Peng R.Y., Peng C.H. Astaxanthin secured apoptic death of PC12 cells induced by β-amyloid peptide 25–35: Its molecular action targets. J. Med. Food. 2010;13:548-556.

    Not in our library10.1089/jmf.2009.1291

  132. 132.

    Lu Y.P., Liu S.Y., Sun H., Wu X.M., Li J.J., Zhu L. Neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin on H2O2-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and on focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. Brain Res. 2010;1360:40-48.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.016

  133. 133.

    Stewart J.S., Lignell A., Pettersson A., Elfving E., Soni M.G. Safety assessment of astaxanthin rich microalgae biomass: acute and subchronic toxicity studies in rats. Food Chem. Toxicol. 2008;46:3030-3036.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.fct.2008.05.038

  134. 134.

    Hussein G., Nakamura M., Zhao Q., Iguchi T., Goto H., Sankawa U., Watanabe H. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2005;28:47-52.

    Not in our library10.1248/bpb.28.47

  135. 135.

    Kim J.H., Kim Y.S., Song G.G., Park J.J., Chang H.I. Protective effect of astaxanthin on naproxen-induced gastric antral ulceration in rats. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2005;514:53-59.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.03.034

  136. 136.

    Petri D., Lundebye A.K. Tissue distribution of astaxanthin in rats following exposure to graded levels in the feed. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. C Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2007;145:202-209.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.cbpc.2006.12.008

  137. 137.

    Murata K., Oyagi A., Takahira D., Tsuruma K., Shimazawa M., Ishibashi T., Hara H. Protective effects of astaxanthin from paracoccus carotinifaciens on murine gastric ulcer models. Phytother. Res. 2012;26:1126-1132.

    Not in our library10.1002/ptr.3681

  138. 138.

    Odeberg M.J., Lignell A., Pettersson A., Hoglund P. Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2003;19:299-304.

    Not in our library10.1016/s0928-0987(03)00135-0

  139. 139.

    Serebruany V., Malinin A., Goodin T., Pashkow F. The in vitro effects of xancor, a synthetic astaxanthine derivative, on hemostatic biomarkers in aspirin-naive and aspirin-treated subjects with multiple risk factors for vascular disease. Am. J. Ther. 2010;17:125-132.

    Not in our library10.1097/mjt.0b013e31819cdbbd

  140. 140.

    Spiller G.A., Dewell A. Safety of an astaxanthin rich Haemaotoccu pluvialis algal extract: A randomized clinical trial. J. Med. Food. 2003;6:51-56.

    Not in our library10.1089/109662003765184741

  141. 141.

    Miyawaki H., Takahashi J., Tsukahara H., Takehara I. Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2008;43:69-74.

    Not in our library10.3164/jcbn.2008048

  142. 142.

    Karppi J., Rissanen T.H., Nyyssonen K., Kaikkonen J., Olsson A.G., Voutilainen S., Salonen J.T. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation. Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. 2007;77:3-11.

    Not in our library10.1024/0300-9831.77.1.3

  143. 143.

    Parisi V., Tedeschi M., Gallinaro G., Varano M., Saviano S., Piermarocchi S. Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after one year. Ophthalmology. 2008;115:324-333.

    Not in our library10.1016/j.ophtha.2007.05.029

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    Katagiri M., Satoh A., Tsuji S., Shirasawa T. Effects of astaxanthin rich Haematococcus pluvialis extact on cognitive function: Arandomised double blind, placebo-controlled study. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2012;51:102-107.

    Not in our library10.3164/jcbn.d-11-00017

  145. 145.

    Tominaga K., Hongo N., Karato M., Yamashita E. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochim. Pol. 2012;59:43-47.

    Not in our library

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    Hashimoto H., Arai K., Hayashi S., Okamoto H., Takahashi J., Chikuda M., Obara Y. Effects of astaxanthin on antioxidation in human aqueous humor. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 2013;53:1-7.

    Not in our library10.3164/jcbn.13-6

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    Chew B.P., Park J.S. Natural astaxanthin extract reduces DNA oxidation. Patent. 2006.

    Not in our library

  148. 148.

    Tsuji S., Shirasawa T., Shimizu T. Neurocyte protective agent. Patent. 2007.

    Not in our library

  149. 149.

    Leigh S., Steven Leight M.L., Hogevest P.V. Crystal forms of astaxanthin. Patent. 2007.

    Not in our library

  150. 150.

    Lockwood S.F., Preston M. Use of carotenoids and or carotenoid derivatives analogs for reduction/inhibition of certain negative effects of COX inhibitors. Patent. 2008.

    Not in our library

  151. 151.

    Takahashi J., Yamashita E., Fukamauchi M., Tanka I. Composition for body fat reduction. Patent. 2009.

    Not in our library

  152. 152.

    Sharoni Y., Levy J., Sela Y., Nir Z. Carotenoid oxidation products as chemo preventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Patent. 2009.

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  153. 153.

    Senin P., Setnikar I., Rovati A. Formulation for oral administration with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. U.S. Patent. 2009.

    Not in our library

  154. 154.

    David A.E., Melchior R. Algal and algal extract dietary supplement composition. Patent. 2009.

    Not in our library

  155. 155.

    Satoh A., Tsuji S. Method for improving cognitive performance. Patent. 2009.

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    Qvyjt F. Encapsulates. Patent. 2010.

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    Tominaga K., Karato M., Hongo N., Yamashita E. Method of preventing discoloration of carotenoid pigment and container used therefor. Patent. 2010.

    Not in our library

  158. 158.

    Kopsel C. Pulverulent carotenoid preparation for colouring drinks. Patent. 2010.

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  159. 159.

    Clayton D., Rutter R. Inflammatory disease treatment. Patent. 2010.

    Not in our library

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    Higashi N., Takahashi J. Agent for alleviating vascular failure. Patent. 2012.

    Not in our library

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    Koppe W.M., Moeller N.P., Baardsen G.K.L. Feed additive for improved pigment retention. Patent. 2012.

    Not in our library

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    Jouni Z., Makhoul Z. Carotenoid containing compositions and methods. Patent. 2012.

    Not in our library

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    Monahan P., Hiu S. Agent for improving carcass performance in finishing hogs. Patent. 2012.

    Not in our library

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    Minatelli J.A., Thomas S., Rajendran L., Moerck E. Composition and method to alleviate joint pain. Patent. 2013.

    Not in our library

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    Ooi Y., Kitamura A., Yamashita E. Baked food produced from astaxanthin containing dough. Patent. 2013.

    Not in our library

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