蝦青素是一種葉黃素類型的類胡蘿卜素，它是特定的細胞膜反應和不同臨床益處的養分。該分子通過接受或失去電子來中和自由基或其他氧化劑，在這個過程中不會變性或者成為氧化劑。它的線性，極性-非極性極性分子布局確保它精確地插入到膜中并橫跨整個寬度。在這種情況下，蝦青素沿著親水性頭部為界限來攔截活性分子，阻斷其到達膜的疏水性內部。在臨床上，蝦青素顯示了不同的優點，具有優異的安全性和耐受性。在雙隱形隨機對照試驗中，蝦青素可以降低偏胖、肥胖或者吸煙患者的氧化應激性。同時，它還可以阻斷DNA氧化損傷，降低C反應蛋白等炎癥的標志物，提高結核菌素皮試的免疫力。在另一項實驗中，研究發現蝦青素可以降低甘油三酯，提高高密度脂蛋白膽固醇；在微循環模式中發現其可以改善血流。在一項小的臨床實驗中發現蝦青素可以提高認知，促進神經干細胞分化。日本人研究的幾個隨機對照試驗，發現蝦青素可以改善視力和保護眼睛。它能夠提高人體的生育能力，減輕幽門螺旋桿菌的病人的癥狀。初步試驗顯示，它也可以提高運動能力（例如足球）。在培養的細胞中，蝦青素能夠抵御線粒體的內源性氧自由基，保護它們的氧化還原（抗氧化劑）能力，提高產能效率。這些在細胞培養過程中使用的蝦青素濃度可以通過人體的適度飲食攝入。蝦青素臨床上成功不僅僅為抗氧化和消炎提供幫助，而且為研究減緩年齡相關的功能性衰退指明了方向。
Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential
Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a nutrient with unique cell membrane actions and diverse clinical benefits. This molecule neutralizes free radicals or other oxidants by either accepting or donating electrons, and without being destroyed or becoming a pro-oxidant in the process. Its linear, polar-nonpolar-polar molecular layout equips it to precisely insert into the membrane and span its entire width. In this position, astaxanthin can intercept reactive molecular species within the membrane's hydrophobic interior and along its hydrophilic boundaries. Clinically, astaxanthin has shown diverse benefits, with excellent safety and tolerability. In double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), astaxanthin lowered oxidative stress in overweight and obese subjects and in smokers. It blocked oxidative DNA damage, lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammation biomarkers, and boosted immunity in the tuberculin skin test. Astaxanthin lowered triglycerides and raised HDL-cholesterol in another trial and improved blood flow in an experimental microcirculation model. It improved cognition in a small clinical trial and boosted proliferation and differentiation of cultured nerve stem cells. In several Japanese RCTs, astaxanthin improved visual acuity and eye accommodation. It improved reproductive performance in men and reflux symptoms in H. pylori patients. In preliminary trials it showed promise for sports performance (soccer). In cultured cells, astaxanthin protected the mitochondria against endogenous oxygen radicals, conserved their redox (antioxidant) capacity, and enhanced their energy production efficiency. The concentrations used in these cells would be attainable in humans by modest dietary intakes. Astaxanthin's clinical success extends beyond protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, to demonstrable promise for slowing age-related functional decline.
Altern Med Rev. 2011, 16(4):355-364.
Kidd P
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