Clinical references for Astaxanthin

Underneath you will find the clinical trials, articles and reviews when compiling our pages on Astaxanthin.

on this page

• Skin elasticity, wrinkles and lines
• Gastric health - Helicobacter pylori and dyspepsia
• Astaxanthin and diabetes type 2
• Eye fatigue and age-related macular degeneration
• Astaxanthin to help in reducing hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Increasing physical endurance and muscle recovery

Skin elasticity, wrinkles and lines

1. Yamashita, E., (2006), The Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Astaxanthin on Skin Condition. Carotenoid Science, 10:91-95.
2. Koura, S., (2005). Skin sensitization study of Astaxanthin in Guinea Pigs. Study No. 05035. New Drug Research Center Inc., Hokkaido Japan. Fuji Sponsored Study.
3. Lee, S.J. et al., (2003), Astaxanthin Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production and Inflammatory Gene Expression by Suppressing I? B Kinase-dependent NF-?B Activation. Molecules and Cells, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 97-105.
4. Arakane (2002), Superior Skin Protection via Astaxanthin. Carotenoid Science April 5:21-24. Lyons, N.M., & O’Brien, N.M., et al., (2002), Modulatory effects of an algal extract containing astaxanthin on UVA-irradiated cells in culture. Journal of Dermatological Science 30:73-84.
5. Yamashita, E., (2002), Cosmetic benefit of the supplement health food combined astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style 21 6(6):112-117.
6. Seki, T., et al., (2001), Effects of astaxanthin from haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal 12:98-103.
7. Black, H. S., (1998), Radical Interception by carotenoids and effects on UV carcinogenesis. Nutrition Cancer 31(3):212-217.
8. O'Connor, I., & O'Brian, N., (1998), Modulation of UVA light induced oxidative stress by beta-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured fibroblasts. Journal of Dermatological Science 16:226-230.
9. Savoure, N., et al., (1995), Vitamin A status and metabolism of cutaneous polyamines in the hairless mouse after UV irradiation: action of beta-carotene and astaxanthin. International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research 65(2):79-86.
10. Yamashita, E., (1995), Suppression of post UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin from krill. Fragrance Journal 14:180-185.
11. Miki, W., (1991), Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure & Appl. Chem., 63(1):141-146.

Gastric health - Helicobacter pylori and dyspepsia

1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Adamonis K, Andersen LP, Wadström T., Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine. 2008 Jun;15(6-7):391-9.
2. Andersen LP, Holck S, Kupcinskas L, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Janciauskas D, Permin H, Wadström T., Gastric inflammatory markers and interleukins in patients with functional dyspepsia treated with astaxanthin., FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2007 (Jul;50(2):244-8.
3. Wang et al., (2000). Astaxanthin-rich algal meal and vitamin C inhibit Helicobacter pylori infection in BALB/cA mice. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 44(9):2452-7. Symposium.
4. Lignell et al., (1999). 12th International Carotenoid Symposium, Cairns. The safety, tolerability and efficacy of the antioxidant Astaxanthin in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.
5. Bennedsen et al., (1999). Treatment of H. pylori infected mice with antioxidant astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation, bacterial load and modulates cytokine release by splenocytes. Immunol Lett. 70(3):185-9.

Astaxanthin and diabetes type 2

1. Manabe E, Handa O, Naito Y, Mizushima K, Akagiri S, Adachi S, Takagi T, Kokura S, Maoka T, Yoshikawa T., Astaxanthin protects mesangial cells from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative signaling., J Cell Biochem. 2008 Apr 15;103(6):1925-37.
2. Naito Y, Uchiyama K, Mizushima K, Kuroda M, Akagiri S, Takagi T, Handa O, Kokura S, Yoshida N, Ichikawa H, Takahashi J, Yoshikawa T., Microarray profiling of gene expression patterns in glomerular cells of astaxanthin-treated diabetic mice: a nutrigenomic approach., Int J Mol Med. 2006 Oct;18(4):685-95.
3. Hussein G, Sankawa U, Goto H, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H., Astaxanthin, a carotenoid with potential in human health and nutrition., J Nat Prod. 2006 Mar;69(3):443-9.
4. Naito Y, Uchiyama K, Aoi W, Hasegawa G, Nakamura N, Yoshida N, Maoka T, Takahashi J, Yoshikawa T., Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice., Biofactors. 2004;20(1):49-59.
5. Uchiyama K, Naito Y, Hasegawa G, Nakamura N, Takahashi J, Yoshikawa T., Astaxanthin protects beta-cells against glucose toxicity in diabetic db/db mice., Redox Rep. 2002;7(5):290-3.
6. Naito Y, Uchiyama K, Mizushima K, Kuroda M, Akagiri S, Takagi T, Handa O, Kokura S, Yoshida N, Ichikawa H, Takahashi J, Yoshikawa T., Microarray profiling of gene expression patterns in glomerular cells of astaxanthin-treated diabetic mice: a nutrigenomic approach., Int J Mol Med. 2006 Oct;18(4):685-95.
7. Naito Y, Uchiyama K, Aoi W, Hasegawa G, Nakamura N, Yoshida N, Maoka T, Takahashi J, Yoshikawa T., Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice., Biofactors. 2004;20(1):49-59.

Eye fatigue and age-related macular degeneration

1. Iwasaki & Tawara, (2006). Effects of Astaxanthin on Eyestrain Induced by Accommodative Dysfunction. Journal of Eye (Atarashii Ganka) (6):829-834.
2. Suzuki et al., (2006). Suppressive effects of astaxanthin against rat endotoxin-induced uveitis by inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway. Exp. Eye Res., 82:275-281.
3. Nagaki et al., (2006). The supplementation effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 22(1):41-54.
4. Miyawaki et al., (2005). Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 21(4):421-429.
5. Nitta et al. (2005). Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia – Dose finding study in healthy volunteers. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 21(6):637-650.
6. Shiratori et al. (2005). Effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia – Efficacy identification study in healthy volunteers. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 21(5):543-556.
7. Takahashi & Kajita (2005). Effects of astaxanthin on accommodative recovery. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 21(4):431-436.
8. Nagaki et al. (2005). The effects of astaxanthin on retinal capillary blood flow in normal volunteers. J. Clin. Therap. Med., 21(5):537-542.
9. Nakamura et al. (2004). Changes in Visual Function Following Peroral Astaxanthin. Japan J. Clin. Opthal., 58(6):1051-1054.
10. Ohgami et al., (2003). Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Invest. Ophthal. Vis. Sci., 44(6):2694-2701.
11. Nagaki Y., et al., (2002). Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusions, and pattern evoked potential in visual display terminal workers. J. Trad. Med., 19(5):170-173.
12. Sawaki, K. et al. (2002) Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual activity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. J. Clin. Ther. Med., 18(9):73-88.
13. Izumi-Nagai K, Nagai N, Ohgami K, Satofuka S, Ozawa Y, Tsubota K, Ohno S, Oike Y, Ishida S., Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization with an anti-inflammatory carotenoid astaxanthin., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 Apr;49(4):1679-85.
14. Toomey MB, McGraw KJ., Modified saponification and HPLC methods for analyzing carotenoids from the retina of quail: implications for its use as a nonprimate model species., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007 Sep;48(9):3976-82.
15. Parisi V, Tedeschi M, Gallinaro G, Varano M, Saviano S, Piermarocchi S; CARMIS Study Group., Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year., Ophthalmology. 2008 Feb;115(2):324-333.e2.
16. Bhosale P, Serban B, Zhao da Y, Bernstein PS., Identification and metabolic transformations of carotenoids in ocular tissues of the Japanese quail Coturnix japonica., Biochemistry. 2007 Aug 7;46(31):9050-7.
17. Santocono M, Zurria M, Berrettini M, Fedeli D, Falcioni G., Lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin protect against DNA damage in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells induced by reactive nitrogen species., J Photochem Photobiol B. 2007 Jul 27;88(1):1-10.
18. Suzuki Y, Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Jin XH, Ilieva I, Koyama Y, Yazawa K, Yoshida K, Kase S, Ohno S., Suppressive effects of astaxanthin against rat endotoxin-induced uveitis by inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling pathway., Exp Eye Res. 2006 Feb;82(2):275-81.
19. Bhosale P, Bernstein PS., Microbial xanthophylls., Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005 Sep;68(4):445-55.
20. Chitchumroonchokchai C, Bomser JA, Glamm JE, Failla ML., Xanthophylls and alpha-tocopherol decrease UVB-induced lipid peroxidation and stress signaling in human lens epithelial cells., J Nutr. 2004 Dec;134(12):3225-32.
21. Waagbø R, Hamre K, Bjerkås E, Berge R, Wathne E, Lie O, Torstensen B., Cataract formation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolt relative to dietary pro- and antioxidants and lipid level., J Fish Dis. 2003 Apr;26(4):213-29.
22. Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Kotake S, Nishida T, Mizuki N, Yazawa K, Ohno S., Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003 Jun;44(6):2694-701.
23. PMID: 12766075 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]11: Related Articles, LinksBell JG, McEvoy J, Tocher DR, Sargent JR.
24. Depletion of alpha-tocopherol and astaxanthin in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) affects autoxidative defense and fatty acid metabolism. J Nutr. 2000 Jul;130(7):1800-8.
25. Goodwin TW., Metabolism, nutrition, and function of carotenoids., Annu Rev Nutr. 1986;6:273-97.
26. Lipetz LE., Pigment types, densities and concentrations in cone oil droplets of Emydoidea blandingii., Vision Res. 1984;24(6):605-12.
27. Goldsmith TH, Collins JS, Licht S., The cone oil droplets of avian retinas., Vision Res. 1984;24(11):1661-71.
28. Somiya H., 'Yellow lens' eyes of a stomiatoid deep-sea fish, Malacosteus niger., Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 1982 Jul 22;215(1201):481-9.
29. Grangaud R, Massonet R, Conquy T, Ridolfo J., [Transformation of astaxanthine into vitamin A in albino rats: neoformation in vivo and in vitro.]. C R Hebd Seances Acad Sci. 1961 Mar 20;252:1854-6. [French]
30. Massonet R, Conquy T, Grandgaud R., [Transformation in vitro of astaxanthine into vitamin A by the ocular tissue of the rat.] C R Seances Soc Biol Fil. 1961;155:747-50. [French]

Astaxanthin to help in reducing hypertension (high blood pressure)

1. Hussein G., et al., 2006b. Astaxanthin, a Carotenoid with Potential in Human Health and Nutrition. J. Nat. Prod. 69(3):443 – 449.
2. Hussein G., et al., 2006a. Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: III. Antioxidant and histopathological effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 29(4):684-688.
3. Hussein G., et al., 2005b. Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin II. Vascular reactivity and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 28(6):967-971.
4. Hussein G., et al., 2005a. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 28(1):47-52.
5. Miyawaki H., et al., 2005. Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. J. Clin. Thera. Med. 21(4):421-429.
6. Li W., et al., 2004. Alpha-tocopherol and astaxanthin decrease macrophage infiltration, apoptosis and vulnerability in atheroma of hyperlipidaemic rabbits. J. Mol. Cell. Cardio. 37:969-978.
7. Kudo Y., et al., 2001. Effects of astaxanthin brain damages due to ischemia. Presented at the Annual Carotenoid Conference, 2001, Toyama.
8. Hussein G, Nakagawa T, Goto H, Shimada Y, Matsumoto K, Sankawa U, Watanabe H., Astaxanthin ameliorates features of metabolic syndrome in SHR/NDmcr-cp. Life Sci. 2007 Jan 16;80(6):522-9.
9. Hussein G, Goto H, Oda S, Sankawa U, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H., Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: III. Antioxidant and histopathological effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. ,Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Apr;29(4):684-8.
10. Hussein G, Goto H, Oda S, Iguchi T, Sankawa U, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H., Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: II. Vascular reactivity and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rats., Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jun;28(6):967-71.
11. Hussein G, Nakamura M, Zhao Q, Iguchi T, Goto H, Sankawa U, Watanabe H., Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):47-52.

Increasing physical endurance and muscle recovery

1. Aoi, W et al. (2008) Astaxanthin improves muscle lipid metabolism in exercise via inhibitory effect of oxidative CPT I modification. Biochem., Biophys. Res. Com. 366 (2008) 892–897.
2. Ikeuchi M, Koyama T, Takahashi J, Yazawa K., Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice., Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Oct;29(10):2106-10.
3. Aoi, W. et al. (2003) Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxid Redox Signal 5(1):139-144.
4. Sawaki, K. et al. (2002) Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual activity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicine 18(9):73-88.
5. Malmsten, C. (1998) Dietary supplementation with astaxanthin rich algal meal improves muscle endurance – a double blind study on male students. Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (Unpublished).
6. Lee et al. (2003) Astaxanthin Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production and Inflammatory Gene Expression by Suppressing I?B Kinase-dependent NF- ?B Activation. Mol. Cells, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp.97-105.