HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS EXTRACT
Haematococcus pluvialis is a green microalga that is a source of valuable bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and other carotenoids, as well as proteins and fatty acids.(1)
Astaxanthin is found in a wide variety of organisms, from tiny microorganisms to higher plants and animals. It is particularly known for its pronounced antioxidant effect, which enables it to effectively combat free radicals(2-3).
Due to its unique chemical structure, astaxanthin has powerful antioxidant properties. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage. This protective mechanism helps prevent premature aging and various health problems. (2-3) Astaxanthin is considered "the most powerful antioxidant known" worldwide.(4) Its antioxidant effect through the protection of cell membranes is considered to be 65 times stronger than that of vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E. In addition, astaxanthin is considered to be the carotenoid with the strongest antioxidant effect.(5) Research suggests that astaxanthin may be beneficial in immune and inflammatory diseases. Due to its diverse functions in skin biology, astaxanthin is already used in dermatology.(6) A particular advantage of astaxanthin is that it contains both hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. This enables astaxanthin to penetrate the double layer of the skin more effectively and act in multiple ways, compared to other antioxidants. (7)
(1) Oslan, S. N. H., Tan, J. S., Oslan, S. N., Matanjun, P., Mokhtar, R. A. M., Shapawi, R., & Huda, N. (2021). Haematococcus pluvialis as a Potential Source of Astaxanthin with Diverse Applications in Industrial Sectors: Current Research and Future Directions. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(2) Davinelli, S., Nielsen, M. E., & Scapagnini, G. (2018). Astaxanthin in skin health, repair, and disease: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 10(4), 522.
(3) Oslan, S. N. H., Tan, J. S., Oslan, S. N., Matanjun, P., Mokhtar, R. A. M., Shapawi, R., & Huda, N. (2021). Haematococcus pluvialis as a Potential Source of Astaxanthin with Diverse Applications in Industrial Sectors: Current Research and Future Directions. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(21), 6470. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216470
(4) Sztretye, M., Dienes, B., Gönczi, M., Czirják, T., Csernoch, L., Dux, L., Szentesi, P., & Keller-Pintér, A. (2019). Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019, 3849692. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3849692
(5) Beutner S et al. (2001): Quantitative assessment of the antioxidant properties of natural colorants and phytochemicals: carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and indigoids. The role of β-carotene in antioxidant functions. J Sci Food Agric 81: 559–68.
(6) Ekpe, L., Inaku, K., & Ekpe, V. (2018). Antioxidant effects of astaxanthin in various diseases—A review. J. Mol. Pathophysiol, 7(1), 1–6.
(7) Dokulil, K., & Pototschnik, A. (2021). Astaxanthin—the Diamond of Antioxidants in the Fight Against Light-Induced Oxidative Stress. SOFW Journal (English version), 147(9).(8) BDI-BioLife Science: AstaCos® OL50 Product Data Sheet. Headquarters BDI-BioLife Science GmbH
