The Effect of Astaxanthin Administration on Plasma Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Palatine Tonsil Swab in Chronic Tonsillitis Patients

Background: Chronic tonsillitis is chronic inflammation of the palatine tonsils which can be caused by thepresence of free radicals that stimulate the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor NecrosisFactor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (Il-6). Astaxanthin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory is thought toreduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines.Aim: To determine plasma levels of TNF-α and palatine tonsill smears in patients with chronic tonsillitisbefore and after administration of astaxanthin.Method: Research with clinical trial design. Thirty-one subjects who met the inclusion and exclusioncriteria in the Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery clinic in Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital andNetwork Hospital were given astaxanthin 4 mg/day for 14 days. Plasma TNF-α levels and palatine tonsilesmears were examined before and after administration of astaxanthin. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25thversion. The statistical tests used Paired-t test and Independent-t test.Results: Thirty-one subjects can be followed until the end of the study. Astaxanthin 4 mg per day for 14 dayscan reduce plasma TNF-α levels and palatine tonsil swab of patients with chronic tonsillitis (p 0.05).Conclusion: Astaxanthin can reduce plasma TNF-α levels and palatine tonsil swab in chronic tonsillitispatients.