The Powerful Function and Wide Application of Astaxanthin
The Powerful Function and Wide Application of Astaxanthin
Jul 18, 2022
In recent years, with the important physiological functions and great economic value of astaxanthingradually being recognized by people, especially in anti-oxidation, anti-cancer and tumor suppressor, enhancing immunity, anti-hypertension, preventing cardiovascular disease, and preventing ultraviolet radiation, etc. aspect.
1. Antioxidant Astaxanthin is a chain-breaking antioxidant with a strong antioxidant effect. The body can produce a small amount of oxygen free radicals during normal life activities such as electron transfer in the respiratory chain and the oxidation of other substances in the body. When stimulated by chemical reagents, ultraviolet radiation, etc., a large number of oxygen free radicals will be produced. These free radicals can cause lipid peroxidation, amino acid oxidation, protein degradation and DNA damage on biological membranes, and can also cause chain reactions of unsaturated fatty acids on cell membranes, thereby affecting cell composition. Astaxanthin can not only quench singlet oxygen, directly scavenge oxygen free radicals, but also block the chain reaction of fatty acids. Studies have shown that the antioxidant effect of astaxanthin is more than 100 times stronger than that of α-tocopherol, and it is known as "super VE". At the same time, astaxanthin can effectively prevent the peroxidation of phospholipids and other lipids. In addition, astaxanthin can also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and protein expression. Different doses of astaxanthin can significantly increase the protein expression of peroxyhydrogenase and superoxide dismutase in animal cells, and their biological activities are also significantly improved.
2. Anti-cancer Research shows Cell Gap Junction Communication It plays an important role in regulating the normal proliferation and differentiation of cells and the self-stability of tissues, and the inhibition or destruction of its function is an important mechanism in the stage of promoting carcinogenesis. The anticancer effect of astaxanthin is closely related to its ability to induce gap junction communication. It can isolate cancer cells and reduce the connection between cancer cells by strengthening the connection between normal cells to control their growth and prevent tumor transformation. .
3. Enhance immunity In a study on the immunomodulatory effects of astaxanthin and carotenoids on mouse lymphocytes in vitro tissue culture system, it was found that astaxanthin has a strong immunomodulatory effect. Experiments show that astaxanthin can significantly promote the production of antibodies in mouse spleen cells in response to thymus-dependent antigen (TD-Ag), and improve the conclusion of humoral immune response dependent on T-specific antigen. In addition, astaxanthin can increase the production of human immunoglobulins and enhance the ability of mice to release interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, which is stronger than beta-carotene and canthaxanthin. Therefore, astaxanthin has a strong activity of inducing cell division and has an important immunomodulatory effect.
4. Anti-hypertension Regarding the mechanism of astaxanthin's antihypertensive effect, studies have shown that astaxanthin can regulate blood rheology, including the sympathetic adrenergic receptor pathway, ensure the normalization of α-adrenergic receptor sensitivity, and attenuate Ang II and The vasoconstriction ability caused by reactive oxygen species can repair vascular tension and achieve anti-hypertensive effect.
5. Prevent cardiovascular disease Epidemiological and clinical data suggest that dietary antioxidants protect against cardiovascular disease. This is also an important reason why astaxanthin can effectively prevent atherosclerosis. In addition, astaxanthin can also reduce the infiltration of macrophages in arterial plaques, prevent the formation of atheroma, and play a role in stabilizing plaques. Through research, Murillo et al. found that astaxanthin has the effect of significantly increasing HDL and lowering LDL in the body. Therefore, astaxanthin has the effect of preventing cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease and ischemic brain injury.
6. Anti-ultraviolet radiation Exposure of skin and other tissues to strong light, especially ultraviolet light, can lead to the production of monoatomic oxygen and free radicals in cell membranes and tissues, causing oxidative damage to the body. These injuries can be effectively reduced when the body receives sufficient antioxidants such as carotenoids represented by beta-carotene from food. Among carotenoid products, astaxanthin is more effective in preventing ultraviolet radiation damage than beta-carotene and lutein; on the other hand, astaxanthin has a special effect on transglutaminase , able to consume putrescine when the skin is exposed to light to prevent the accumulation of putrescine.