Haematococcus pluvialis - Astaxanthin

Common Names: Astaxanthin, microalgae, microalga, microalgue, micro-alga, Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthine, ovoester

Latin Name: Haematococcus pluvialis (syn. Volvox lacustris, Sphaerella pluvialis, S. lacustris)

Origin: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, North America

Short Introduction

For the cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis algae, it is important to provide optimal conditions, which typically means applying gentle stress (such as increased light exposure, lower nutrient concentrations, increased temperature, etc.). When grown in a carbon-rich culture medium, the organism can be kept in the dark; under other circumstances, certain ranges of light exposure in various cycles are recommended. Sufficient nitrogen and then phosphorus availability in the medium are important—sodium nitrate appears to be the best source. The optimal pH for highest astaxanthin production ranges between 6 and 8, with peak algal growth observed at pH 7. The most suitable temperature for both algal growth and pigment formation is around 25°C.

Detailed Description

A natural pigment with incredible antioxidant properties.

Botanical Information

The life cycle of Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater microalga, is remarkably complex. The cells of this alga can transform into several distinct morphological stages throughout their lives. Most commonly, they form motile zoospores and biflagellate forms, while other variants develop thick cell walls. The algae’s color can range from green to red, depending on how much astaxanthin pigment has accumulated. Haematococcus pluvialis also has the unique ability to convert into a resilient cyst, enabling it to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as drought or frost.

Origin and Distribution

Haematococcus pluvialis is found worldwide in freshwater habitats, often favoring shallow waters or small pools that develop naturally in pathways, concrete crevices, roadside ditches, railways, rock depressions, wetlands, urban areas, or animal sites in warmer climates. The alga can occasionally be found in brackish water on rocks near the seashore. The whole genus of Haematococcus is highly sensitive to anti-growth substances that may be produced by other algae as a form of competition.

Usage / Dosage

Astaxanthin, the key secondary carotenoid produced by Haematococcus pluvialis, is widely valued in industry, especially as a natural pigment in the food sector. It is used to redden the flesh of farm-raised salmon and trout, in shrimp aquaculture, and to enhance color and growth in ornamental tropical fish. Similarly, this fascinating pigment is used in poultry farming. According to the FDA, astaxanthin is one of only seven approved colorants in animal production in the United States as of 2009.

Numerous publications have highlighted the significant antioxidant effects of astaxanthin (Pulz & Gross 2004; Spolaore et al. 2006). Astaxanthin protects cell nuclei against photo-oxidative damage from UV rays, and can also act as a ‘reserve’ compound safeguarding cellular structures via other mechanisms (Collins et al. 2011; Han et al. 2012).

Animal studies have shown that astaxanthin reduces inflammatory mitochondrial damage associated with aging. It increases mitochondrial compartment volume and boosts production of energy-rich ATP. Its antioxidant action appears to work by stabilizing cell membranes and inhibiting intracellular lipid peroxidation. At the molecular level, astaxanthin reduces the formation of the pro-inflammatory molecule nitric oxide and slows the activity of specific caspases, key elements in the apoptotic (cell death) cycle.

Epidemiological studies suggest astaxanthin’s striking antioxidant activity holds promise for anti-inflammatory support, particularly with gastric issues caused by Helicobacter pylori. Damaged tissue in such cases produces reactive oxygen species and other pro-inflammatory mediators, which astaxanthin can help neutralize. Supplementing with astaxanthin has been shown to increase T-lymphocyte response in compromised stomach tissue and suppress the growth of H. pylori, thus enhancing the healing effect on the gastric mucosa. Astaxanthin consumption also supports prevention of gastric inflammation.

Astaxanthin has demonstrated a preventive effect against the progression and development of Parkinson’s disease and similar neurodegenerative disorders, likely by stabilizing cell membranes, maintaining ion balance, and inhibiting programmed cell death. In brain tissue, it also positively influences nerve function via transcription factor regulation and genetic signaling.

Some degree of immunomodulatory activity has been reported, where astaxanthin stimulated proliferation and function of specific immune cells. Animal models have shown astaxanthin can stimulate antibody formation and help suppress the growth of fibrosarcoma tumor cells by activating cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and other targeted markers. Astaxanthin also shows benefits for blood formation and lipid metabolism.

Astaxanthin likely lowers plasma lipid levels, in part by modulating gene expression involved in liver metabolism. This property supports its ability to help prevent atherosclerosis. Clinical studies indicate that a 12-week course of astaxanthin lowers triglycerides and raises HDL (the "good" cholesterol) in patients with hyperlipidemia. Other research finds that combining astaxanthin with folic acid and red yeast rice for four weeks decreases total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides by 20–26%, while increasing HDL cholesterol by 5%. Sources differ on optimal dosage, but available data suggest an effective dose is in the range of 4–20 mg/kg per day, though higher amounts may be used in some indications.

By affecting nitric oxide, astaxanthin activity increases the formation of the anti-inflammatory enzyme Hsp32, which may help delay the onset of brain ischemia. Studies indicate higher dietary intake of five principal carotenoids (lycopene, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin) is associated with lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. While the precise mechanism is not fully understood, astaxanthin appears to play a (positive) role in stroke prevention and in reducing stroke-related mortality. Animal research further suggests astaxanthin is a promising preventive and therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases.

Pilot clinical studies show that a 12-month regimen combining astaxanthin, lutein, vitamins E and C, and zinc alleviated symptoms of visual impairment (particularly in age-related macular degeneration) in many seniors.

Astaxanthin, when taken with certain flavonoids and vitamin D3, may, after eight weeks, help reduce menopausal symptoms such as joint pain, mood swings, and hot flashes. Another supplement high in astaxanthin (combined with vitamins A and E) taken three times daily for eight weeks was shown to improve the subjective experience of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in patients with various characteristics of the condition.

Research continues on astaxanthin for various indications, with promising results in improving skin elasticity for women around age 40, in Alzheimer’s disease, in Parkinson’s, in stroke recovery, for UV skin protection, and as a potential protective agent against certain types of cancer.

Active Compounds

While some herbals describe the composition of several active substances present in the referenced herb, plant part, fungus, or fruit/nut, in this article we focus specifically on astaxanthin and its effects.

Traditional Dosage

Dosage varies with age, indication, related conditions, and sources consulted. Some authors mention that 4–100 mg per day is sufficient for an antioxidant effect, while dietary supplement manufacturers usually recommend 4–20 mg as a single daily intake. In life-threatening or severe states, higher doses (up to 1 g/kg body weight) have been described in test subjects.