299$/KG
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Product Detailed Description
liposomal Astaxanthin 5% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering astaxanthin in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7), also known as 3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione, is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid characterized by the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₂O₄ and a molecular weight of 596.84 g/mol. It is a red-orange pigment produced by certain microalgae, yeast, and bacteria, and is responsible for the characteristic pink-red coloration of salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos. Astaxanthin is a member of the tetraterpenoid family and possesses a unique molecular structure that allows it to span the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, quenching free radicals on both surfaces simultaneously.
Natural astaxanthin is primarily produced by the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which can synthesize and accumulate astaxanthin up to 4% of its total cellular dry weight under oxidative stress conditions. The microalgal-derived astaxanthin is exclusively the (3S,3′S) stereoisomer, which has been demonstrated to possess significantly greater antioxidant capacity than synthetic astaxanthin—over 50 times stronger in singlet oxygen quenching and approximately 20 times stronger in free radical elimination.
Conventional astaxanthin presents significant formulation challenges. The compound is highly lipophilic, virtually insoluble in water, and chemically unstable, being particularly susceptible to photo-oxidative degradation. Its oral bioavailability is variable and vehicle-dependent, typically ranging from approximately 10% to 50%. Studies have demonstrated that formulation type significantly influences astaxanthin absorption, with oil-based capsules, nanoemulsions, and liposomes yielding markedly different pharmacokinetic profiles.
Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:
1. Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — Nano-delivered astaxanthin systems achieve 2- to 10-fold gains in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) over oil-based references. Lipid-based formulations specifically increase astaxanthin bioavailability by 1.7- to 3.7-fold relative to a commercial reference. A human crossover pharmacokinetic study involving 12 subjects evaluated the relative bioavailability of astaxanthin in six commercially available oral formulations, including liposomal astaxanthin, demonstrating significantly enhanced absorption compared to standard softgel formulations.
2. Enhanced Stability — Liposomal encapsulation significantly improves the stability of astaxanthin against light, heat, and oxidative degradation. Optimized astaxanthin liposomes achieve encapsulation efficiency of up to 94.25%, with reduced particle size (89.81 nm) and increased zeta potential (−34.24 mV), indicating excellent colloidal stability. Astaxanthin liposomes exhibit high storage stability, with encapsulation efficiency maintained at 89.58% ± 1.47% under optimized conditions.
3. Water Dispersibility — Liposomal astaxanthin can be readily dispersed in aqueous systems, forming a uniform emulsion that is suitable for beverages, liquid formulations, and functional foods. This is in contrast to native astaxanthin, which is insoluble in water and requires oil-based delivery systems.
4. Enhanced Cellular Uptake — Liposomes fuse directly with intestinal cell membranes, facilitating efficient cellular delivery via lipid-mediated pathways. The liposomal delivery system bypasses the passive diffusion limitations of free astaxanthin, supporting enhanced systemic absorption and tissue distribution.
High Purity — Standardized to ≥5% astaxanthin by HPLC, ensuring consistent active content.
Liposomal Enhancement — Phospholipid bilayer encapsulation achieves up to 94.25% encapsulation efficiency with 89.81 nm particle size and −34.24 mV zeta potential, providing superior colloidal stability and dramatically enhanced bioavailability.
Potent Antioxidant Activity — Astaxanthin demonstrates antioxidant activity over 500 times more effective than α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 10 times higher than other carotenoids, with a unique membrane-spanning structure that quenches free radicals on both surfaces of the cell membrane.
Clinically Studied for Lipid Metabolism — A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 61 non-obese adults with mild hyperlipidaemia demonstrated that 6, 12, or 18 mg/day of natural astaxanthin for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in triglycerides (approximately 25% at 12 mg and 24% at 18 mg), increases in HDL-cholesterol (10–15% at 6 and 12 mg), and increased serum adiponectin levels at 12 and 18 mg.
Clinically Studied for Skin Health — Multiple small Japanese trials at 6 mg/day demonstrated measurable improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, moisture, and texture. A separate 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study at 6 mg/day in Japanese adults investigated anti-UV benefits on skin, hair, and nails.
Clinically Studied for Oxidative Stress and Immune Markers — A placebo-controlled trial in 42 healthy young women demonstrated that both 2 and 8 mg/day for 8 weeks reduced a DNA-damage marker (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) and C-reactive protein at 8 mg, with the higher dose also increasing lymphocyte proliferation and natural-killer cell activity.
Water-Dispersible — Liposomal astaxanthin can be dispersed in water as a stable emulsion, suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.
Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.
| Application | Recommended Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules / Tablets | 4–8 mg per serving | 1–2 capsules daily with meals containing fat for optimal absorption |
| Functional Beverages | 2–4 mg per 250 mL | Water-dispersible; suitable for RTD formats |
| Powdered Drink Mixes | 4–8 mg per sachet | Blend with other carotenoids or vitamin E for synergistic antioxidant support |
| Skin Health Formulas | 4–6 mg per serving | Clinical trials used 6 mg/day for skin elasticity and wrinkle improvement |
| Cardiovascular Formulas | 6–12 mg per serving | Clinical trial used 6–18 mg/day for lipid profile improvement |
| Eye Health Formulas | 4–12 mg per serving | Often combined with lutein and zeaxanthin for comprehensive eye support |
Clinical studies and regulatory guidelines commonly recommend 4–12 mg of astaxanthin per day. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake of 0.2 mg/kg body weight—approximately 14 mg/day for a 70 kg adult—and concluded that a supplemental intake of 8 mg/day is safe for adults including pregnant and lactating women. The most cited lipid study randomized 61 non-obese adults with mild hyperlipidaemia to placebo or 6, 12, or 18 mg/day of natural astaxanthin for 12 weeks, demonstrating significant triglyceride reductions at 12 and 18 mg and HDL-cholesterol increases at 6 and 12 mg. A placebo-controlled trial in healthy young women used 2 and 8 mg/day for 8 weeks, with both doses reducing oxidative stress markers and the higher dose also improving immune parameters. For general antioxidant and skin health support, 4–6 mg daily is commonly used. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability.
Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.
Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.
Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.
Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.
Astaxanthin Encyclopedia — Scientific Background
Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7), also known as 3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione, is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid belonging to the tetraterpenoid class. It is chemically characterized by the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₂O₄ and a molecular weight of 596.84 g/mol. Astaxanthin is a red-orange pigment that occurs naturally in certain microalgae, yeast, and bacteria, and is responsible for the characteristic pink-red coloration of salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos. The compound is a member of the xanthophyll subclass of carotenoids, which are oxygenated derivatives of carotenes.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 472-61-7 |
| UNII | 8XPW32PR7I |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₀H₅₂O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 596.84 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | (3S,3′S)-3,3′-Dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione |
| Appearance | Red to dark red crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, acetone, and oils |
| Melting Point | 213°C |
Astaxanthin's most distinctive structural feature is its ability to span the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, positioning its polar terminal hydroxyl groups at the membrane surfaces while its nonpolar conjugated polyene backbone extends through the hydrophobic interior. This orientation allows the molecule to simultaneously scavenge free radicals on both the inner and outer membrane surfaces, providing comprehensive protection against lipid peroxidation. Astaxanthin is more effective than β-carotene in the prevention of lipid peroxidation, being twice as effective in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in certain experimental models.
The antioxidant mechanisms of astaxanthin operate through three primary modes of action: electron transfer via redox reactions, hydrogen abstraction through allylic hydrogen donation, and radical adduct formation, whereby the carotenoid stabilizes free radicals and halts oxidative chain reactions.
Natural sources of astaxanthin include microalgae, yeast, shrimp, krill, and plankton. Among these, the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the richest source, capable of synthesizing and accumulating astaxanthin up to 4% of its total cellular dry weight under oxidative stress conditions. The crustacean (shrimp and krill) exoskeletons are in limited supply and have low astaxanthin content, whereas yeast (Phaffia rhodozyma) has a lower astaxanthin content (0.4%–2.5%) than microalgae.
Haematococcus pluvialis produces only the (3S,3′S) stereoisomer in both free and esterified forms, while synthetic astaxanthin contains an approximate 1:2:1 ratio of (3R,3′R), (3R,3′S; meso), and (3S,3′S) stereoisomers. In singlet oxygen quenching assays, Haematococcus astaxanthin was found to be over 50 times stronger than synthetic astaxanthin, and approximately 20 times stronger in free radical elimination. Only natural astaxanthin produced by H. pluvialis has received FDA approval for human consumption.
Astaxanthin's primary mechanism of action is its potent antioxidant activity, which is attributable to its unique molecular structure. The conjugated polyene backbone allows the molecule to efficiently quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals, while the terminal hydroxylated rings further increase the number of free radical electrons that can be stabilized. Astaxanthin has demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant potency in scavenging free radical electrons.
Astaxanthin enhances mitochondrial function by reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) while improving ATP production. This mitochondrial-targeting capability distinguishes astaxanthin from many conventional antioxidants and supports its role in cellular Energy Metabolism and exercise adaptation.
Astaxanthin blocks cytokine production and reduces inflammation, exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori and reducing gastric inflammation. It also induces anti-apoptosis activity through the classic mitochondrial pathway, demonstrating broad cytoprotective effects.
Despite its potent antioxidant activity, native astaxanthin presents significant bioavailability challenges. The compound is highly lipophilic and virtually insoluble in water, and its oral bioavailability is both low and variable, typically ranging from approximately 10% to 50% depending on the formulation vehicle and prandial state. Astaxanthin is also highly susceptible to photo-oxidative degradation, with high temperatures above 60°C and prolonged UV exposure exceeding 48 hours causing significant degradation.
These limitations have driven the development of advanced delivery systems, including liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and polymeric nanoparticles. Among these, liposomal encapsulation has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for enhancing astaxanthin stability, solubility, and bioavailability.
Liposomal encapsulation of astaxanthin provides a fundamentally different delivery mechanism from conventional forms. The phospholipid bilayer surrounds the astaxanthin molecule, forming a protective shell that enhances solubility, stability, and cellular uptake. This delivery system:
Achieves up to 94.25% encapsulation efficiency with 89.81 nm particle size
Increases Cmax and AUC by 2- to 10-fold over oil-based references
Enhances bioavailability by 1.7- to 3.7-fold relative to commercial references
Provides superior storage stability with encapsulation efficiency maintained at 89.58% ± 1.47%
Enables water dispersibility for use in aqueous formulations
Optimized astaxanthin liposomes exhibit a spherical structure with an average particle size of 131.74 ± 2.74 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 89.58% ± 1.47% under optimized preparation conditions. A separate formulation using rice bran albumin-sweet potato leaf polyphenol-chitosan oligosaccharide complex achieved a remarkable astaxanthin encapsulation efficiency of 94.25%, with reduced particle size (89.81 nm) and increased zeta potential (−34.24 mV), indicating excellent colloidal stability.
The most cited lipid study randomized 61 non-obese adults with mild hyperlipidaemia to placebo or 6, 12, or 18 mg/day of natural astaxanthin for 12 weeks. Triglycerides fell significantly at 12 and 18 mg (by approximately 25% and 24%, respectively), HDL-cholesterol rose at 6 and 12 mg (by approximately 10–15%), and serum adiponectin increased at 12 and 18 mg. LDL and total cholesterol did not change.
A placebo-controlled trial in 42 healthy young women compared 0, 2, and 8 mg/day for eight weeks. Both doses reduced a DNA-damage marker (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) and C-reactive protein at 8 mg; the higher dose also increased lymphocyte proliferation and natural-killer cell activity in laboratory assays.
Several small Japanese trials examined skin parameters. In one, 30 women took 6 mg/day orally combined with a topical preparation for eight weeks, and 36 men took 6 mg/day orally alone for six weeks; both groups showed measurable improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, moisture, and texture compared with baseline or placebo. A separate 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study in Japanese adults investigated the anti-UV benefits of H. pluvialis-derived astaxanthin supplementation at 6 mg/day. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 70 Chinese females aged 25–45 evaluated the anti-glycation effects of an astaxanthin-containing supplement on skin aging over 56 days.
A randomized controlled trial published in Scientific Reports (2026) evaluated the effect of astaxanthin supplementation (20 mg/day for 8 weeks) on inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices in patients with heart failure. A separate randomized clinical trial published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (2025) investigated the impact of astaxanthin on oxidative markers, uric acid, and clinical symptoms in heart failure patients.
A rigorous 4-week trial of 20 mg/day in 32 trained cyclists found no effect on fat oxidation, time-trial performance, or oxidative-stress markers, indicating that the ergogenic effects observed in rodent studies did not translate to human performance outcomes.
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated at commonly used doses. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake of 0.2 mg/kg body weight—approximately 14 mg/day for a 70 kg adult—and concluded that a supplemental intake of 8 mg/day is safe for adults including pregnant and lactating women. The safety record of astaxanthin is excellent, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical trials at doses up to 20 mg/day.
Regulatory status varies by region:
United States — The FDA approved astaxanthin as a feed additive for use in the aquaculture industry in 1987 and as a dietary supplement in 1999. In 2010, the FDA granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for Haematococcus pluvialis-derived astaxanthin for use in baked goods, beverages, cereals, dairy products, and other food categories at levels providing 0.1 mg astaxanthin per serving. Multiple microalgae-derived astaxanthin products have received GRAS status, allowing their use in dietary supplements and added to foods.
European Union — Astaxanthin is authorized as a novel food ingredient and is used in food supplements with a maximum daily intake of 8 mg.
Japan — Astaxanthin is approved for use in food and dietary supplements and is widely consumed in functional foods and beverages.
Astaxanthin is widely commercialized as a dietary supplement ingredient, cosmetic ingredient, and food colorant. Testing protocols must adhere to international standards including USP, European Pharmacopoeia, and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius. Formulators should verify local regulatory requirements prior to market entry.
This product is intended for research, nutraceutical, and functional food applications. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
109$/KG
299$/KG
219$/KG
109$/KG
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