Factors Affecting the Production of Astaxanthin in the Microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis: A Review

Astaxanthin, a natural red pigment that belongs to the carotenoid group, has been known as a super antioxidant due to its very strong antioxidant activity (65 times higher than vitamin C, 54 times more potent than -carotene, and 14 times higher than vitamin E). Haematococcus pluvialis is known as microalgae with a high astaxanthin content. The benefit of astaxanthin in health issues is mainly its potential as the treatment for degenerative diseases caused by reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. Thus, it is important to develop Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae as a rich source of natural astaxanthin in the health and pharmaceutical industries.