Potential Health and Nutraceutical Applications of Astaxanthin and Astaxanthin Esters from Microalgae

This chapter focuses on the production of astaxanthin and its esters from Haematococcus pluvialis. It aanlyses the occurrence of astaxanthin in nature, its accumulation, biomass production, downstream processing, chemistry and its possible role in various biological activities. The chapter provides up-to-date information on the biological activities, health benefits and industrial applications of astaxanthin and its esters. It presents a detailed view of the potential health benefits of astaxanthin and its esters from various algal forms. Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid and it is found in various organisms such as salmon, trout, lobsters, shrimps, algae, bacteria and animals. Astaxanthin and its esters are accumulated in large amounts in H. pluvialis. Astaxanthin acts as a strong colorant agent and also has antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid and it is found in various organisms such as salmon, trout, lobsters, shrimps, algae, bacteria and animals.