Bioactivities of astaxanthin from natural sources, augmenting its biomedical potential: A review

The wide range of health benefits and variety of biological activities of carotenoids have made them the focal point of industrial as well as academic research on a global scale. Astaxanthin which is a keto-carotenoid is found in a few varieties of bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, crustaceans, and fishes. Due to its potent biological activity specifically its ability to protect from reactive oxygen species in the living system, it is proven to be the most effective anti-oxidant with a range of bioactivities. The present review is focused on the recent advances in the biomedical advantages of natural astaxanthin viz its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, anti-carcinogenic and osteoprotective. An overview of bioavailability and future perspectives of astaxanthin is also highlighted. Important sources of natural astaxanthin as a potent nutraceutical have been explored. The natural form of astaxanthin is found to be more biologically active than its synthetic counterpart. Several research initiatives are in vogue worldwide on astaxanthin viz its natural sources, efficient methods of extraction and various biological activities that are helpful to use it in food and pharmaceutical industries. • Natural astaxanthin exhibits superior biological activity than synthetic. • Primary sources of natural astaxanthin are from marine or allied environment. • The unique chemical structure contributes to potent bioactivities. • Astaxanthin having several biomedical applications. • Bioavailability of astaxanthin is reported to be source dependent.