Astaxanthin - The Star Antioxidant
1. Antioxidant Capacity of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin has a strong antioxidant capacity, and its antioxidant activity is 6,000 times that of the first-generation antioxidant vitamin C, 150 times that of the third-generation antioxidant anthocyanin, and even exceeds many other known antioxidants, such as vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, tea polyphenols, etc. Astaxanthin can efficiently remove free radicals in the body, including reactive oxygen free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl free radicals, as well as singlet oxygen, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.
2. Antioxidant Mechanism of Astaxanthin: It mainly includes the following aspects:
A. Quenching singlet oxygen:Astaxanthin has an extremely high singlet oxygen quenching ability and can convert singlet oxygen into ground state oxygen through energy transfer, thereby eliminating its activity, reducing its concentration in the body, and alleviating oxidative damage to the body.
B. Scavenges free radicals:The conjugated double bonds, hydroxyl groups and unsaturated ketone groups in the astaxanthin molecule have active electronic effects, which can attract free radicals or provide electrons to free radicals, thereby removing free radicals and preventing the oxidative damage caused by them.
C. Regulates the antioxidant enzyme system: Astaxanthin can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), etc., further improving the antioxidant capacity of the body.
D. Protect cell membranes: Astaxanthin can stabilize the structure of cell membranes, reduce membrane permeability, and limit the entry of peroxide promoters into cells, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.
3. Application of Astaxanthin Antioxidant Effect: The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin has been widely used in many fields:
A. Health products and medicines: Astaxanthin is used to develop antioxidants, immunomodulators and other drugs to help improve human immunity, delay aging, prevent chronic diseases, etc.
B. Cosmetics: Astaxanthin is widely used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and anti-aging effects, and is used to protect the skin, reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and protect against the sun. Astaxanthin can penetrate into the skin cells, rebuild collagen and protein matrix, strengthen the skin barrier, reduce skin damage and dryness caused by ultraviolet rays, reshape skin elasticity, fully resist ultraviolet radiation, inhibit melanin production, and play the role of anti-wrinkle, sun protection, moisturizing, and whitening.
C. Food additive: Astaxanthin, as a natural pigment and antioxidant, can be used for coloring and preserving edible oils, margarine, ice cream, candy, cakes and other foods, thereby extending the shelf life of food.
D. Aquaculture: Astaxanthin can be used as a feed additive in aquaculture to improve the color and nutritional value of aquatic products and enhance their antioxidant capacity.
4. Stability and Storage of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin itself is not very stable and is easily oxidized and decomposed by light. Therefore, measures such as avoiding light, oxygen, and high temperature are required during storage and transportation to maintain its activity. Most common astaxanthin products on the market use sealed gelatin capsules as outer coatings, with pure vegetable oil inside to isolate the influence of air and light. In addition, storing astaxanthin in the refrigerator can also help extend its shelf life.
In summary, astaxanthin, as a natural pigment and antioxidant with excellent antioxidant capacity, has been widely used in many fields. Its antioxidant mechanism is complex and effective, which can stably remove free radicals and singlet oxygen in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress. However, due to the stability of astaxanthin itself, special attention should be paid to measures such as avoiding light, oxygen, and high temperature during storage and use to maintain its activity.