Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of marine-derived astaxanthin: current developments and future prospects

A growing interest in natural and biologically active molecules that act directly on molecular targets involved in disease is gaining importance. Algal sources of carotenoids have received a lot of attention in the international market for uses in food, feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Astaxanthin (ASTX) is one of the most potent carotenoid pigment molecules recovered from several microalgal species. Commercially, ASTX is offered in various formulations, such as pills, capsules, syrups, oils, gels, creams, and granules. Several studies have indicated the health benefits of ASTX in the management of diabetes, inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. This chapter presents a critical review of recent literature on ASTX sources, types, extraction, safety and stability, and bioavailability. It also describes the biological effects of ASTX, such as antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidative, and muscle function, and discusses cosmetic applications.