Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid derived from a specific species of sea algae.

Astaxanthin is used in these conditons:

Asthma:

A laboratory study demonstrated that astaxanthin (when used in combination with Ginkgo biloba) inhibited the activation of T-cells that occurs during asthma attacks.  This combination was more effective than two commonly-used anti-histamine drugs.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

In a clinical study, carpal tunnel syndrome patients who received astaxanthin supplements for eight weeks experienced a reduction in wrist pain.

Peptic Ulcers:

Animal studies (using mice) have found that astaxanthin inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for many stomach ulcers.  Astaxanthin has also been found to quench the free radicals generated by Helicobacter pylori and to reduce the stomach inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Dosage:

2 – 5 mg per day.

Astaxanthin is absorbed better when taken at a meal containing fat.

References

Asthma

· Mahmoud, F. F., et al.  In vitro effects of astaxanthin combined with ginkgolide B on T lymphocyte activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthmatic subjects.  J Pharmacol Sci.  94(2):129-136, 2004.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

· Spiller, G.  Presented at:  Meeting of the American College of Nutrition.  San Antonio, Texas, USA.  October 4, 2002.

Peptic Ulcers

· Bennedsen, M., et al.  Treatment of H. pylori infected mice with antioxidant astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation, bacterial load and modulates cytokine release by splenocytes.  Immunol Lett.  70(3):185-189, 1999.

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