Karen Hecht’s research while affiliated with Moses Lake Industries and other places

Supporting information for "Marine Drugs 21(10):514, DOI: 10.3390/md21100514". We summarized the singlet oxygen scavenging activity of carotenoids and other compounds in a more extended from Table 1.

Supporting information for "Marine Drugs 21(10):514, DOI: 10.3390/md21100514". Information on physical properties of astaxanthin and its metabolism in animals.

Supporting information for "Marine Drugs 21(10):514, DOI: 10.3390/md21100514". Provides details on the nomenclature of the optical isomers of carotenoids.

Supporting information for "Marine Drugs 21(10):514, DOI: 10.3390/md21100514". Summary of Clinical Trial Results with Topical Use of Astaxanthin

Supporting information for "Marine Drugs 21(10):514, DOI: 10.3390/md21100514". Full list of clinical (orally administered) and in vitro therapeutic studies of astaxanthin. This table is chronologically listed in Table 4 without duplication.

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family that is found abundantly in marine organisms, and has been gaining attention in recent years due to its varied biological/physiological activities. It has been reported that astaxanthin functions both as a pigment, and as an antioxidant with superior free radical quenching capacity. We recently reported that astaxanthin modulated mitochondrial functions by a novel mechanism independent of its antioxidant function. In this paper, we review astaxanthin’s well-known antioxidant activity, and expand on astaxanthin’s lesser-known molecular targets, and its role in mitochondrial energy metabolism.

This chapter describes the reported functions of natural astaxanthin on muscle physiology and performance. The first section discusses oxidative stress in skeletal muscle during exercise and how natural astaxanthin interacts with the endogenous antioxidant system. It further gives an insight into how astaxanthin is incorporated into cell membranes, particularly within the mitochondria, describing the effects seen on mitochondrial functions such as ATP production and fat metabolism. The following section describes the results seen in clinical trials on muscle endurance and muscle strength in populations ranging from well-trained young people to the elderly. This also includes the additional outcomes of natural astaxanthin on exercise in connection with sarcopenia. Finally, it covers the impact of astaxanthin on muscle recovery and the reduction in exercise-induced inflammation.