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Astaxanthin Mechanism of Action
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Astaxanthin’s molecular structure confers upon it biological activities not
observed with other antioxidants or carotenoids. Astaxanthin is a member of a select group of carotenoids known as xanthophylls, or oxygenated
carotenoids. Xanthophylls are at the top of the carotenoids pyramid of activity and Astaxanthin is at the top of the xanthophylls. Astaxanthin 's
molecular structure makes it a superior antioxidant - but it also functions through many other mechanisms of action to achieve cell membrane
protection, immune protection, and broad protection against degenerative conditions in general. Astaxanthin 's molecular structure is similar to
beta-carotene - but there is more. Astaxanthin has thirteen conjugated double bonds, which gives it significantly greater antioxidant capacity than
beta-carotene's eleven conjugated double bonds. Astaxanthin has oxo groups in the 4 and 4 prime physicians on the cyclohexene ring that again
significantly increase its antioxidant activity. Finally, Astaxanthin has hydroxyl groups at the 3 and 3 prime position, making the molecule highly polar. These
combined modifications dramatically enhance its membrane function activity and other mechanisms of action to protect against degenerative conditions, not found in other antioxidants.
- Spans the cell membrane bilayer (fat/fat) because of its polar end
groups near the fat/water surface where free radical attack first occurs
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Inhibits the destruction of the fatty acids and proteins in cell membranes and mitochondrial membranes in cells caused by
peroxidation of fats
- Stabilizes free radicals by adding them to its structure (long double-bond chain) rather than donating an atom or electron
- More resistant to the chain reaction that can occur when a fatty acid
is oxidized, thus allowing it to scavenge or quench longer than an antioxidant who cannot stop this chain reaction
- Neutralizes singlet and triplet oxygen by de-charging them
- Traps more types of radicals (alkoxyl, hydroxyl, peroxyl, singlet and triplet oxygen) than any other antioxidant
- Because it binds to a lipid (fat) protein, it travels more readily in the body and is more bioavailable
- Spanning the bilayer with its polar end groups may increase cell membrane rigidity and mechanical strength
- Inhibits reactive oxygen species that cause inflammation to the cells, thus anti-inflammatory capabilities
Transports alkoxyl radicals along its long chain (like a bridge) to the fat/water
interface, where a water-loving antioxidant such as Vitamin C can scavenge it.
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