Merck, 41659-1MG, all-trans-Astaxanthin

General description
all-trans-Astaxanthin belongs to the class of carotenoids. It is a ketocarotenoid, most commonly identified in marine and aquatic animals, including krill, wild salmon, rainbow trout, microalgae, shells of lobster, shrimp, seafood products, etc. It is biologically known as a vitamin A precursor, and exhibits strong antioxidant property, much higher compared to vitamin E and β-carotene. Its role in food and the medicinal industry is also well-defined.
Application
all-trans-Astaxanthin may be used as an analytical reference standard for the quantification of the analyte in:
Microalgae (Green algae), Haematococcus pluvialis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with mass spectrometric and fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD).
Parapenaeopsis hardwickii using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection (PDA).

Refer to the product′s Certificate of Analysis for more information on a suitable instrument technique. Contact Technical Service for further support.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Astaxanthin is a potent carotenoid antioxidant found in marine algae, red yeast and many other plant and animal sources. Animal studies indicate that it reduces blood glucose and ameliorates several parameters of the diabetic metabolic syndrome. It improves blood flow and vascular tone in models of hypertension. In vitro studies indicate that it upregulates connexin 43 and thus, may be chemopreventive against cancer.
Packaging
Bottomless glass bottle. Contents are inside inserted fused cone.