Neuroscience

Chemistry

Adverse effect

Spinal cord injury

Tolerability

Spinal cord

Astaxanthin

Carotenoid

Human health

Biochemistry

Medicine

Biology

Pharmacology

Environmental health

Pharmacological Research

Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent lipid-soluble keto-carotenoid with auspicious effects on human health. It protects organisms against a wide range of diseases with excellent safety and tolerability. Various imperative biological activities in vitro and in vivo models have been suggested for AST. This review article is focused on the therapeutic potentials, biological activities and benefical health effects of AST. The pharmacological mechanisms of action of AST in the treatment and prevention of the peripheral and central nervous system diseases was also reviewed to provide new insights to researchers. Finally, we suggested a novel hypothesis for the mechanism of action of AST in neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury.

Astaxanthin: A mechanistic review on its biological activities and health benefits