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- Pycnogenol: Vascular Support for the Heart, Skin and Retina
- Strontium and Renal Function
- Educational Materials At Your Fingertips
-Astaxanthin: Unique Carotenoid with Broad Applications

Abstract Updates
- Pycnogenol scavenges free radicals and maintains capillary integrity for healthy retina function...
- Pycnogenol protects skin and lessens temporary redness resulting from sunlight exposure....
- Astaxanthin promotes healthy blood vessel relaxation, supporting cardiovascular and cognitive functions...

Quick Fact
- A note on pure astaxanthin content

Astaxanthin has been found to be more effective than beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol at protecting unsaturated fatty acids, indicating a role in promoting healthy lipid metabolism. It has also been shown to help maintain healthy arachidonic acid metabolism. Moreover, recent animal studies have found that astaxanthin may help modulate healthy blood flow by mediating nitric oxide, providing additional cardiovascular support potential.*

Astaxanthin also helps protect the retina and skin from sun induced free radicals. When applied to human lens epithelial cells, astaxanthin helped reduce stress signaling and oxidation that occurred as a result of sun exposure. Another study found it to protect fibroblast cells from the decreases in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase that result from sunlight exposure. In a human clinical evaluation, supplementation with astaxanthin for two weeks provided statistically significant antioxidant protection for the skin. Animal studies involving sun exposed skin have found that astaxanthin supplementation resulted in decreased free putrescine, spermidine and spermine, tightly regulated polyamines that influence DNA synthesis, gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation. This may be achieved through the activation of the enzyme transglutaminase, important for protective cellular responses and tissue homeostasis. In addition, astaxanthin has been shown to affect tyrosinase activity, moderating melanin formation to lessen skin pigmentation. Furthermore, administration of astaxanthin to sunlight exposed mice lessened the appearance of wrinkles and led to better retention of dermal collagen fiber bundle structure.*

Other reports have suggested that the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin promote nerve and cognitive health. Animals studies indicate enhanced learning performance with astaxanthin supplementation.*

Additionally, astaxanthin has been found to support immunoglobulin activity and immune function at the cellular level, promoting cell mediated and humoral immune responses. One animal study indicated that astaxanthin helped moderate the decline in antibody production associated with aging.*

Astaxanthin is also believed to promote healthy joint function. In one double-blind placebo controlled trial, BioAstin astaxanthin supported joint comfort in human volunteers. Another study reported enhanced wrist nerve comfort with astaxanthin supplementation. Moreover, it provides promising support for neutralizing free radicals associated with strength and exercise training as well as supporting knee comfort and joint function after strenuous leg exercises.*

Pure Encapsulations BioAstin astaxanthin is produced using a special patented process. It is derived from algae developed under well-controlled conditions and formulated in a base of safflower oil for optimal absorption. Vitamin E and rosemary are added to enhance stability. The producers of BioAstin hold three patents for use as a human nutraceutical. U.S. Patents 6,258,855; 6,344,210 and 6,433,025.

References:

1. Tanaka K, Suzuki T, Takama K. Antioxidant activity of xanthophylls on peroxyl radical-mediated phospholipid peroxidation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1992 Jun 22;1126(2):178-84.

2. Naito Y, Uchiyama K, Aoi W, et. al. Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice. Biofactors. 2004;20(1):49-59

3. Hussein G et al. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):47-52.

4. Chitchumroonchokchai C, Bomser JA, Glamm JE, Failla ML. Xanthophylls and alpha-tocopherol decrease UVB-induced lipid peroxidation and stress signaling in human lens epithelial cells. J Nutr. 2004 Dec;134(12):3225-32

5. O'Connor I, O'Brien N. Modulation of UVA light-induced oxidative stress by beta-carotene, lutein and astaxanthin in cultured fibroblasts. J Dermatol Sci. 1998 Mar;16(3):226-30.

6. Jyonouchi H, Zhang L, Gross M, Tomita Y. Immunomodulating actions of carotenoids: enhancement of in vivo and in vitro antibody production to T-dependent antigens. Nutr Cancer. 1994;21(1):47-58.

7. Jyonouchi H, Sun S, Gross M. Effect of carotenoids on in vitro immunoglobulin production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: astaxanthin, a carotenoid without vitamin A activity, enhances in vitro immunoglobulin production in response to a T-dependent stimulant and antigen. Nutr Cancer 1995;23(2):171-83.

8. Tanaka T, Kawamori T, Ohnishi M et al. Suppression of azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis by dietary administration of naturally occurring xanthophylls astaxanthin and canthaxanthin during the postinitiation phase. Carcinogenesis 1995 Dec;16(12):2957-63.

9. Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Kotake S. et al. Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003 Jun;44(6):2694-701.

10. Aoi W, Naito Y, Sakuma K, et al. Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2003 Feb;5(1):139-44

11. Nir Y, et al. Effect of an astaxanthin containing product on rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2002 October;21(5):490.