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Marine Drugs Oct 2018The benefit of carotenoids to human health is undeniable and consequently, their use for this purpose is growing rapidly. Additionally, the nutraceutical properties of... (Review)
Review
The benefit of carotenoids to human health is undeniable and consequently, their use for this purpose is growing rapidly. Additionally, the nutraceutical properties of carotenoids have attracted attention of the food industry, especially in a new market area, the 'cosmeceuticals.' Marine organisms (microalgae, seaweeds, animals, etc.) are a rich source of carotenoids, with optimal properties for industrial production and biotechnological manipulation. Consequently, several papers have reviewed the analysis, characterization, extraction and determination methods, biological functions and industrial applications. But, now, the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of marine carotenoids has not been focused of any review, although important achievements have been published. The specific and diverse characteristic of the marine matrix determines the bioavailability of carotenoids, some of them unique in the nature. Considering the importance of the bioavailability not just from the health and nutritional point of view but also to the food and pharmaceutical industry, we consider that the present review responds to an actual demand.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Aquatic Organisms; Biological Availability; Carotenoids; Humans; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 30360450
DOI: 10.3390/md16100397 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2020Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from oxygen-containing non-vitamin A sources and is mainly obtained from marine organisms. Studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from oxygen-containing non-vitamin A sources and is mainly obtained from marine organisms. Studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant product and it is widely used in the fields of medicine, health-care products and cosmetics. Studies have shown that astaxanthin has important preventive and therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, liver cancer, drug and ischemia-induced liver injury, and its mechanism is related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the latest data on astaxanthin in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. An understanding of the structure, source and mechanism of action of astaxanthin in the body would not only provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application but could also have important significance in screening and improving related compounds for the treatment of liver diseases.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Humans; Liver; Liver Diseases; Molecular Conformation; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 32606597
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S230749 -
Nutrients Mar 2023(1) Background: The impairment of eye-hand coordination and smooth-pursuit eye movement caused by visual display terminal (VDT) operation is thought to impair daily... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin on Eye-Hand Coordination and Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movement after Visual Display Terminal Operation in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Intergroup Trial.
(1) Background: The impairment of eye-hand coordination and smooth-pursuit eye movement caused by visual display terminal (VDT) operation is thought to impair daily living activities, for which no effective methods are currently known. On the other hand, various food ingredients, including astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are known to help improve the eye health of VDT operators. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the combination of astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin can prevent the impairment of eye-hand coordination and smooth-pursuit eye movement caused by VDT operation. (2) Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Healthy subjects who regularly worked with VDTs were randomly assigned to the active and placebo groups. All of the subjects took soft capsules containing 6 mg of astaxanthin, 10 mg of lutein, and 2 mg of zeaxanthin or placebo soft capsules once daily for eight weeks. We evaluated the eye-hand coordination, smooth-pursuit eye movements, and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) at 0, two, four, and eight weeks after soft-capsule intake. (3) Results: The active group showed significantly improved eye-hand coordination after VDT operation at eight weeks. However, there was no clear improvement in the effect of the supplementation on smooth-pursuit eye movements. The active group also showed a significant increase in MPOD levels. (4) Conclusions: Consumption of a supplement containing astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin mitigates the decline of eye-hand coordination after VDT operation.
Topics: Humans; Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Eye Movements; Healthy Volunteers; Macular Degeneration; Visual Acuity; Macular Pigment; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 36986186
DOI: 10.3390/nu15061459 -
Marine Drugs Mar 2023Astaxanthin (3,3-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4,4-dione) is a ketocarotenoid synthesized by , , , , , , some bacteria (), yeasts, and lobsters, among others However, it is... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (3,3-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4,4-dione) is a ketocarotenoid synthesized by , , , , , , some bacteria (), yeasts, and lobsters, among others However, it is majorly synthesized by alone (about 4%). The richness of natural astaxanthin over synthetic astaxanthin has drawn the attention of industrialists to cultivate and extract it via two stage cultivation process. However, the cultivation in photobioreactors is expensive, and converting it in soluble form so that it can be easily assimilated by our digestive system requires downstream processing techniques which are not cost-effective. This has made the cost of astaxanthin expensive, prompting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies to switch over to synthetic astaxanthin. This review discusses the chemical character of astaxanthin, more inexpensive cultivating techniques, and its bioavailability. Additionally, the antioxidant character of this microalgal product against many diseases is discussed, which can make this natural compound an excellent drug to minimize inflammation and its consequences.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biological Availability; Xanthophylls; Carotenoids; Chlorophyceae
PubMed: 36976225
DOI: 10.3390/md21030176 -
Marine Drugs Dec 2023Decreased adult neurogenesis, or the gradual depletion of neural stem cells in adult neurogenic niches, is considered a hallmark of brain aging. This review provides a... (Review)
Review
Decreased adult neurogenesis, or the gradual depletion of neural stem cells in adult neurogenic niches, is considered a hallmark of brain aging. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate relationship between aging, adult neurogenesis, and the potential neuroregenerative properties of astaxanthin, a carotenoid principally extracted from the microalga The unique chemical structure of astaxanthin enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier and easily reach the brain, where it may positively influence adult neurogenesis. Astaxanthin can affect molecular pathways involved in the homeostasis, through the activation of FOXO3-related genetic pathways, growth, and regeneration of adult brain neurons, enhancing cell proliferation and the potency of stem cells in neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, astaxanthin appears to modulate neuroinflammation by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and limiting neuroinflammation associated with aging and chronic microglial activation. By modulating these pathways, along with its potent antioxidant properties, astaxanthin may contribute to the restoration of a healthy neurogenic microenvironment, thereby preserving the activity of neurogenic niches during both normal and pathological aging.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Neurogenesis; Brain; Neural Stem Cells; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38132964
DOI: 10.3390/md21120643 -
Marine Drugs Dec 2021Astaxanthin (AST) and fucoxanthin (FUC) are natural xanthophylls, having multidirectional activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Both... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (AST) and fucoxanthin (FUC) are natural xanthophylls, having multidirectional activity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Both compounds also show antimicrobial activity, which is presented in this review article. There are few papers that have presented the antimicrobial activity of AST. Obtained antimicrobial concentrations of AST (200-4000 µg/mL) are much higher than recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for consumption (2 mg daily). Therefore, we suggest that AST is unlikely to be of use in the clinical treatment of infections. Our knowledge about the antimicrobial activity of FUC is better and this compound acts against many bacteria already in low concentrations 10-250 µg/mL. Toxicological studies on animals present the safety of FUC application in doses 200 mg/kg body weight and higher. Taking available research into consideration, a clinical application of FUC as the antimicrobial substance is real and can be successful. However, this aspect requires further investigation. In this review, we also present potential mechanisms of antibacterial activity of carotenoids, to which AST and FUC belong.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aquatic Organisms; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35049891
DOI: 10.3390/md20010036 -
Marine Drugs Jul 2018Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity produced by several freshwater and marine microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast,... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity produced by several freshwater and marine microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and microalgae. Due to its deep red-orange color it confers a reddish hue to the flesh of salmon, shrimps, lobsters, and crayfish that feed on astaxanthin-producing organisms, which helps protect their immune system and increase their fertility. From the nutritional point of view, astaxanthin is considered one of the strongest antioxidants in nature, due to its high scavenging potential of free radicals in the human body. Recently, astaxanthin is also receiving attention for its effect on the prevention or co-treatment of neurological pathologies, including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. In this review, we focus on the neuroprotective properties of astaxanthin and explore the underlying mechanisms to counteract neurological diseases, mainly based on its capability to cross the blood-brain barrier and its oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Apoptosis; Aquatic Organisms; Blood-Brain Barrier; Brain; Free Radical Scavengers; Free Radicals; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxidation-Reduction; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 30042358
DOI: 10.3390/md16080247 -
Nutrients Apr 2022Astaxanthin (ASX) is a natural product and one of the most powerful antioxidants known. It has significant effects on the metabolism of many animals, increasing... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (ASX) is a natural product and one of the most powerful antioxidants known. It has significant effects on the metabolism of many animals, increasing fecundity, egg yolk volume, growth rates, immune responses, and disease resistance. A large part of the bioactivity of ASX is due to its targeting of mitochondria, where it inserts itself into cell membranes. Here, ASX stabilizes membranes and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting mitochondria from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are ubiquitous by-products of energy metabolism that must be tightly regulated by cells, lest they bind to and inactivate proteins, DNA and RNA, lipids, and signaling molecules. Most animals cannot synthesize ASX, so they need to acquire it in their diet. ASX is easily thermally denatured during extraction, and its high hydrophobicity limits its bioavailability. Our focus in this review is to contrast the bioactivity of different ASX stereoisomers and how extraction methods can denature ASX, compromising its bioavailability and bioactivity. We discuss the commercial sources of astaxanthin, structure of stereoisomers, relative bioavailability and bioactivity of ASX stereoisomers, mechanisms of ASX bioactivity, evolution of carotenoids, and why mitochondrial targeting makes ASX such an effective antioxidant.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stereoisomerism; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35406135
DOI: 10.3390/nu14071522 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2021Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti‑inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Topics: Antioxidants; Cardiovascular Diseases; Glucose; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 33155666
DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4783 -
Open Biology Jun 2021Oxidative stress, the imbalance of the antioxidant system, results in an accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The antioxidant system is... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress, the imbalance of the antioxidant system, results in an accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The antioxidant system is composed of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants to maintain homeostasis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an endogenous enzymatic antioxidant that converts superoxide ions to hydrogen peroxide in cells. SOD supplementation in mice prevented cognitive decline in stress-induced cells by reducing lipid peroxidation and maintaining neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, SOD decreased expression of BACE1 while reducing plaque burden in the brain. Additionally, Astaxanthin (AST), a potent exogenous carotenoid, scavenges superoxide anion radicals. Mice treated with AST showed slower memory decline and decreased depositions of amyloid-beta (A) and tau protein. Currently, the neuroprotective potential of these supplements has only been examined separately in studies. However, a single antioxidant cannot sufficiently resist oxidative damage to the brain, therefore, a combinatory approach is proposed as a relevant therapy for ameliorating pathological changes in AD.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Clinical Studies as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Neurons; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase; Treatment Outcome; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34186009
DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210013