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Catalog Number | CI-SC-0569 |
Product Name | Astaxanthin |
CAS | 472-61-7 |
Structure | |
Synonyms | Nanoactive astaxanthin |
Description | Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that belongs to the family of xanthophylls, found naturally in a variety of organisms including microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and crustaceans. It is a reddish pigment that provides color to a variety of marine animals, and is often referred to as the ""king of carotenoids"" due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin is known to be a potent antioxidant, meaning that it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage and oxidative stress. It is also used in some cosmetic and skincare products due to its potential skin health benefits. |
IUPAC Name | (6S)-6-Hydroxy-3-[(1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E)-18-[(4S)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-3-oxocyclohexen-1-yl]-3,7,12,16-tetramethyloctadeca-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-nonaenyl]-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one |
Molecular Weight | 596.85 g/mol |
Molecular Formula | C40H52O4 |
Canonical SMILES | CC1=C(C(CC(C1=O)O)(C)C)C=CC(=CC=CC(=CC=CC=C(C)C=CC=C(C)C=CC2=C(C(=O)C(CC2(C)C)O)C)C)C |
InChI | InChI=1S/C40H52O4/c1-27(17-13-19-29(3)21-23-33-31(5)37(43)35(41)25-39(33,7)8)15-11-12-16-28(2)18-14-20-30(4)22-24-34-32(6)38(44)36(42)26-40(34,9)10/h11-24,35-36,41-42H,25-26H2,1-10H3/b12-11+,17-13+,18-14+,23-21+,24-22+,27-15+,28-16+,29-19+,30-20+/t35-,36-/m0/s1 |
InChI Key | MQZIGYBFDRPAKN-UWFIBFSHSA-N |
Boiling Point | 568.55 °C |
Melting Point | 215-216 °C |
Flash Point | 435.8 °C |
Purity | 95% |
Density | 0.9980 g/mL |
Appearance | Solid |
Storage | -20 °C |
Features And Benefits | 1. Increases skin elasticity and moisture levels. 2. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 3. All-natural and safe for most skin types. 4. Protects against environmental stressors and UV damage. 5. Enhances skin tone and evens out pigmentation. 6. Reduces inflammation and redness. 7. Improves overall appearance of the skin. |
Isomeric SMILES | CC1=C(C(C[C@@H](C1=O)O)(C)C)/C=C/C(=C/C=C/C(=C/C=C/C=C(/C=C/C=C(/C=C/C2=C(C(=O)[C@H](CC2(C)C)O)C)\C)\C)/C)/C |
Refractive Index | 1.4760 |
Topological Polar Surface Area | 74.6 Ų |
Astaxanthin is a potent natural antioxidant prominently found in marine life such as fish, krill, and shrimps, imparting a distinct pink-red pigmentation. As aquatic animals cannot produce astaxanthin on their own, it is an indispensable component of their diets, significantly contributing to the marine food web. Renowned for its ability to scavenge free radicals, astaxanthin provides robust protection for cellular and mitochondrial membranes as well as DNA from oxidative harm, surpassing the antioxidant efficacy of carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. In comparison to vitamin E, a recognized antioxidant, astaxanthin delivers superior efficiency at equivalent doses, markedly reducing damage to DNA and cellular membranes. Additionally, astaxanthin serves as an exceptional alternative to synthetic pigments in decorative cosmetics due to its status as a food-grade colorant approved by the FDA, noted as E161j. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to alleviate skin irritation make it an ideal natural component for skincare formulations.
What is astaxanthin and where is it commonly found?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid recognized for its pink-red color and is considered a powerful natural antioxidant. It is commonly found in aquatic animals such as fish, krill, and shrimps. These animals cannot synthesize astaxanthin themselves, making it an essential component of their diet and an important factor in the marine food chain.
What are the primary benefits of astaxanthin as an antioxidant?
Astaxanthin is known for its superior antioxidant properties, outperforming other carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. It protects cell and mitochondrial membranes, as well as DNA, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Compared to vitamin E, another well-known antioxidant, astaxanthin proves to be more effective in equivalent quantities, resulting in a more noticeable reduction in DNA and cellular membrane damage.
Can astaxanthin be used in cosmetic products?
Yes, astaxanthin can be used in cosmetic products. It serves as an excellent replacement for synthetic pigments and colorants in decorative cosmetics, owing to its natural, vibrant color. Additionally, because it is a food-grade colorant approved by the FDA and identified as E161j, it is safe for use in cosmetics. Astaxanthin also reduces inflammation and skin irritation, making it an ideal ingredient in skincare formulations.