Comprehensive integrated overview of the experimental and clinical neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin

Neurological diseases display an extensive worry worldwide, and its health and economic burden are also expected to grow up exponentially in low- and middle-income countries. However, the pathophysiology of these diseases has not been fully explained, and effective treatments are still lacking. It is believed that oxidative stress is considered as the key mediator in the pathology of these disorders. On the other hand, there are several signaling pathways confirmed experimentally and provided new targets for therapeutic interventions. Thus this chapter provides an integrated overview of astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid with unique biological activities and diverse clinical benefits. The recent scientific advances in understanding the pharmacological mechanisms of action of astathanxin in the treatment and prevention of neurological diseases are reviewed to provide new insights to researchers. In addition, the association between its structure and neuroprotective effects is also highlighted. Furthermore, this chapter sheds light on the available data of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Finally, the current clinical trials will be discussed briefly.