Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid with exceptionally strong antioxidant capacity. In cancer biology, it shows context-dependent effects—largely chemopreventive and cytoprotective, with limited evidence as a direct antineoplastic agent.
Anti-inflammatory signaling, Astaxanthin can inhibit: NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS
Astaxanthin commonly Activates NRF2: Upregulates antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPX)
-Protective in normal tissues
-Potentially tumor-protective in established cancers
Often discouraged during active chemotherapy or radiation
It may:
-Protect tumor cells from ROS-mediated killing
-Reduce lipid peroxidation-based therapies
This concern is similar to:
-Vitamin E
-Trolox
-High-dose carotenoids
Astaxanthin is less likely to be pro-oxidant than lycopene or β-carotene.
Some reports indicate a pro-oxidant effect, but at concentrations that are not achievable for in vito.