Astaxanthin is a carotenoid of relatively recent discovery whose biological activity has captured the interest of scientists and preventative health experts the world over. This activity includes specific antioxidant functions that are about 550 times greater than those of vitamin E, 800 times greater than coenzyme Q10, 75 times greater than alpha lipoic acid, 40 times greater than beta-carotene and 6000 times greater than vitamin C. Astaxanthin has been studied for its applications to ocular (eye) health, type II diabetes, gastro-intestinal health, obesity, endurance and even skin health.
Recently, the fourth in a series of studies conducted among laboratory animals re-enforced the conclusions of the previous three, namely that astaxanthin – in addition to its existing capabilities - also possesses strong potential as an anti-hypertensive capable of lowering blood pressure. The latest study, conducted at the prestigious Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington D.C., revealed some interesting details with respect to this most recently uncovered biological function of astaxanthin.
The scientists stated that astaxanthin ‘significantly’ lowered systolic blood pressure by means of inhibiting the Renin-Angiotensin system, which is the all-important mammalian hormonal network that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. At higher doses, the study also revealed that astaxanthin inhibited the production of TNF-a (Tumor Necrosis Factor –alpha), a central inflammatory cytokine whose overproduction is associated with a wide variety of human ailments. Higher-dose astaxanthin also reduced the oxidation of fat in the liver and kidneys, which is indicative of reduced stress.
Source: Preuss, et al., 2009. Astaxanthin lowers blood pressure and lessens the activity of the renin-angiotensin system in Zucker Fatty Rats. Journal of Functional Foods I:13-22.
For more information see Astaxanthin Ultra
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