Product Name: Astaxanthin
Specification: Astaxanthin 1 % -10%  
Test Method: HPLC
Product Type: Fine crystal powder 
Molecular formula: C₄₀H₅₂O₄
Molecular weight: 596.86
Solubility: Poor solubility in water, sol. in CHCl3 (6mg/ml) & DMF (0.5ng/ml)
CAS NO.:472-61-7
Plant Part Used:Haematococcus Pluvialis cel
 
 Product Description
The micro-alga Haematococcus Pluvialis is the richest natural socurce of astaxanthinn, capable of accumulating up to 5% of its dry biomass as this carotenoid.
Astaxanthin is the most abundant carotenoid pigment found in aquatic animals and the marine world.
Astaxanthin cannot be synthesized by animals and must be provided in the diet, the same as for other carotenoids such as Beta-carotene, Lutein ,Zeaxanthin ,and Lycopene.
Astaxanthin is found in sea foods such as salmon, trout, red sea bream, shrimp ,lobster, and caviar, so it has been present in the human diet for centuries.
The main astaxanthin isomer(3S,3S')found in the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is exactly the same as that found in wild salmon.
The astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis occurs in the esterified form, which is more stable than the free astaxanthin form.
Astaxanthin protects the highly concentrated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) present in cell membranes and muscles in salmon, these fats being the main energy powerhouse during their famous upstream marathon.
In fish, astaxanthin has been shown to have a synergistic effect on other important antioxidants such as Vitamis C and E. 
Astaxanthin is responsible for the pigmentation of seafoods such as wild salmon, trout, red sea bream, lobster, and shrimp,but even more importantly, it plays a crucial role in the animal's physiological systems, giving protection against oxidation and UV light, and improving the immune response and eye haelth.
 
Physiological Functions
1.Antioxidant
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and may protect against oxidative damage to body tissues. The free radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin protects lipids from peroxidation and reduces oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol etc.
2.Immune response
Astaxanthin seems to improve the immune response by increasing the number of antibody producing cells. Astaxanthin enhances antibody production by exerting actions on T-cells and T-helper cells.
It may also protect immune cells against oxidative stress and membrane damage.
3.Neuroprotection
Many studies indicate that astaxanthin may be a potential candidate to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease.
4.UVA-light protection
Exposure of our skin to UVA-light may result in sunburn, inflammation, ageing and skin cancer.
In-vitro studies have shown that astaxanthin could reduce this damage.
5.Anti-cancer effects
Many studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of astaxanthin in rodents. The inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on cancer is stronger than that of beta-carotene.
6.Heart health
Astaxanthin could be beneficial for heart health by reducing inflammation, preventing oxidation of cholesterol and by modifying blood levels of cholesterol.
 
Application:
1. Applied in food field, it is mainly used as food additives for pigment and health care.
2. Applied in animal feeds field, it is used as an new animal feed additive to impart coloration, including farm-raised salmon and egg yolks. 
3. Applied in pharmaceutical field, it is mainly used to prevent cancer and anti-oxidant.
4. Applied in cosmetic field, it is mainly used to Antioxidant and UV protection.