Benefits of Carotenoid Astaxanthin: A Review
Sandipan Das
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Supratim Chowdhury
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Swarnadyuti Nath *
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Asik Ikbal
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Ankures Bhattacharya
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Sayani Roy
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
Prasanta Murmu
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700094, West Bengal, India.
F. H. Rahman
ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, Bhumi Bihar Complex, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700097, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Astaxanthin is a high value keto-carotenoid pigment renowned for its commercial application in various industries such as aquaculture, food, cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors. It is commonly employed in salmonid and crustacean aquaculture to give the pink hue that these species are known for. Scientific literature reviews have persistently demonstrated the instrumental role of astaxanthin in targeting several animal health conditions. Most importantly, the profound effect on pigmentation, where astaxanthin is frequently utilized as an additive in formulating diets to boost and improve the coloration of many aquaculture farmed species, subsequently product quality, consumers’ acceptance and market demand are increasing, and revenue generated. Moreover, the wide range of other physiological benefits of astaxanthin includes various improvements in survival, growth performance, reproductive capacity, stress tolerance, and disease resistance as well. Also, astaxanthin has some other applications like, it is an anticancerous agent, it can prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and enhances nutritional qualities. Astaxanthin products are used for commercial applications in the dosage forms as tablets, capsules, syrups, oils, soft gels, creams, biomass and granulated powders. Astaxanthin patent applications are available in food, feed and nutraceutical applications. This manuscript basically reviews the current available evidence regarding biological sources of astaxanthin, extraction procedures, stability, biological activity, health benefits, and commercial uses.
Keywords: Astaxanthin, extraction, health benefits, shrimp shell, biochemistry