Natural  Astaxanthin-Haematococcus

staxanthin is pronounced: ‘Asta – zan – thin’ , some pronouce it ‘Asta – zhan – teen’ or ‘As-tuh-Zan-thin’. It occurs naturally in Haematococcus (pronounced: Ha-mat-o-ca-cus) pluvialis microalgae, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (formerly Phaffia rhodozyma yeast), micro-organisms (Agrobacterium aurantiacum), and a few higher plant anomaly’s (Adonis aestivalis) with very low amounts. The highest natural concentration is from Haematococcus pluvialis.

Astaxanthin production and yield approximation information 

Astaxanthin occurs in Haematococcus pluvialis at ~40,000 parts per million (ppm). Unoptimized production yield baseline estimate is ~4% (~40g/kg of dry biomass), parameter optimization in PBR systems can yield more. Astaxanthin Oleoresin baseline yield is typically ~3 kg/~10 kg of dried biomass. Upon optimization and extraction concentration can be increased to 10.0% (100,000 ppm).

Astaxanthin use, pricing, market, and characteristics information

Astaxanthin belongs to a larger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes and is classified as a xanthophyll, a carotenoid pigment, and contains a keto group and hydroxyl group giving it antioxidant properties. Research s ests it may be beneficial in treating cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, protecting body tissues from oxidative damage, aiding immune response, and restraining oxidation of low-density lipoproteins. (Note: Astaxanthin is the analog of vitamin A (retinol) for its antioxidant function but is not converted to vitamin A in the human body like other carotenoids.)

Astaxanthin markets involve food, beverage, health, confections, nutraceutical, cosmetics, and others, and has become essential in the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and food industry. In cosmetics, its used as a photo-protectant, antioxidant, stabilizer, and skin hyper-pigmentation suppressant. Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis sells for up to ~ $7000.00/Kg.

Astaxanthin color is red to dark red, it may appear as a dry “meal” or flaked. Astaxanthin oleoresin is viscous, dark red and commonly supplied in 5% and 10% concentration. Powdered form is commonly supplied at 1% or 2% concentration. Product forms may be tablets, capsules, beads, creams, powdered, oleoresin, with various concentrations. Since astaxanthin is fat soluable, its recommended a healthy fatty acid product like Omega 3 with EPA or DHA also be used to aid best absorption.