It is accepted that oxidative stress and
inflammation play an integral role in the pathophysiology of many
chronic diseases including atherosclerotic
cardiovascular disease. The xanthophyll
carotenoid dietary supplement
astaxanthin has demonstrated potential as an
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent in models of
cardiovascular disease. There have been at least eight clinical studies conducted in over 180 humans using
astaxanthin to assess its safety, bioavailability and clinical aspects relevant to oxidative stress,
inflammation or the cardiovascular system. There have been no adverse outcomes reported. Studies have demonstrated reduced markers of oxidative stress and
inflammation and improved blood rheology. A larger number of experimental studies have been performed using
astaxanthin. In particular, studies in a variety of animals using a model of
myocardial ischemia and reperfusion have demonstrated protective effects from prior administration of
astaxanthin both intravenously and orally. Future clinical studies and trials will help determine the efficacy of
antioxidants such as
astaxanthin on vascular structure, function, oxidative stress and
inflammation in a variety of patients at risk of, or with, established
cardiovascular disease. These may lead to large intervention trials assessing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.