From nutrition to therapeutics: the diverse inflammopharmacological and biomedical roles of astaxanthin

TL;DR

Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, shows diverse health benefits and therapeutic potential in treating various diseases.

Contribution

This review highlights astaxanthin's multifaceted therapeutic roles and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Findings

Astaxanthin exhibits superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to other carotenoids.

It shows therapeutic benefits in cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic conditions.

Astaxanthin modulates key pathways like NF-κB and Nrf2, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses.

Abstract

Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid derived primarily from Hematococcus lacustris, has been proposed as a potent bioactive compound demonstrating wide therapeutic applicability. In addition to its distinct molecular structure, astaxanthin has exceptional antioxidant property, surpassing that of other carotenoids and conventional antioxidants, while also exerting robust anti-inflammatory effects. The present review focuses on the current evidence of the complex multifaceted therapeutic actions of astaxanthin, including cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, renal support, dermatological health, immune modulation, and emerging roles in metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and cancer prevention. Mechanistic insights highlight its potential to control key molecular mechanisms, including the NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPK, and TGF-β/Smad pathways, alongside the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Preclinical and clinical findings have demonstrated benefits in conditions such as atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and inflammatory skin diseases. By integrating evidence drawn from molecular, experimental, and clinical studies, this review underscores astaxanthin’s potential as a complementary therapeutic agent and functional nutraceutical. The breadth of its bioactivity positions astaxanthin as a promising natural compound for targeted disease prevention and health promotion.

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