mitochondrial health

# Astaxanthin: A Potent Antioxidant for Eye Health Oxidative stress – an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s defenses – contributes to many eye diseases (dry eye, macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281326/#:~:text=Due%20to%20its%20unique%20molecular,a%20comprehensive%20evaluation%20of%20current)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9412262/#:~:text=pathogenesis%20,20%2C12)). *Astaxanthin* (AXT) is a red xanthophyll **carotenoid** found in algae and seafood (salmon, shrimp). Its unique structure (polar ends and a long conjugated chain) allows it to span cell membranes, scavenging free radicals (ROS) both inside and outside cells ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281326/#:~:text=Unlike%20most%20antioxidants%20which%20work,4%20%2C%2015)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11175114/#:~:text=oxidative%20stress,reticulum%20disruption%2C%20mitochondrial%20membranes%20become)). Unlike routine antioxidants (vitamin C/E), AXT crosses membranes and even the blood–brain barrier, making it exceptionally potent. It is noted for strong **antioxidant**, **anti-inflammatory**, and **anti-apoptotic** activities ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281326/#:~:text=Due%20to%20its%20unique%20molecular,a%20comprehensive%20evaluation%20of%20current)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11175114/#:~:text=oxidative%20stress,reticulum%20disruption%2C%20mitochondrial%20membranes%20become)). These properties make AXT a candidate for protecting ocular tissues. Recent studies suggest AXT can *modulate* eye metabolism and inflammation, potentially improving vision and eye comfort ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281326/#:~:text=Due%20to%20its%20unique%20molecular,a%20comprehensive%20evaluation%20of%20current)) ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9412262/#:~:text=pathogenesis%20,20%2C12)). ## Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Ocular Tissues Astaxanthin protects eye cells from oxidative damage. In animal models of eye disease, AXT reduced markers of stress and inflammation in the retina and cornea. For example, in diabetic rats, orally given AXT suppressed expression of inflammatory molecules (e.g. NF-κB) and oxidative stress in the retina ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20457203/#:~:text=determined%20by%20evaluating%20retinal%20apoptosis%2C,compared%20to%20ASX%20and%20control)) ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129943/#:~:text=the%20protein%20levels%20of%20Bax%2C,1%20pathway)). In a mouse glaucoma model (acute high eye pressure), AXT preserved retinal ganglion cells by boosting the **Nrf2/HO-1** antioxidant pathway and reducing apoptosis ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33129943/

Astaxanthin for Oxidative Stress and Ocular Blood Flow

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