Microalgae supplement could be anti-inflammatory agent

A product made from Hawaiian-grown microalgae may help to provide relief from inflammatory diseases. Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant derived from microalgae manufactured by Mera Pharmaceuticals, and formulated as the primary ingredient in the dietary supplement AstaFactor, shows signs of anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle soreness.

In a nationwide survey by Mera Pharmaceuticals, consumers using AstaFactor reported a reduction of symptoms from muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, back pain, asthma and even enlarged prostate.

Survey respondents ranged from 20 to 87 years of age with the largest group being 40 to 60 years old. Consumers responded to a list of about 20 health questions, covering conditions ranging from asthma to menstrual cramps, to determine what effect, if any, AstaFactor had on each condition.

Of the 328 health problems that consumers reported, 85 per cent were improved while taking AstaFactor. Muscle soreness was the most common ailment reported (by 60 per cent of the users). Eighty-eight per cent of those with muscle soreness said their condition improved after daily use of the recommended dosage.

Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid derived from the microscopic green algae, Haematococcus pluvialis​. In nature, astaxanthin is found as a red pigment in many aquatic animals including salmon, lobster, crab, shrimp and several bird species, such as flamingos. Until recently, eating large quantities of shellfish or salmon was the only way for humans to get their daily dose of astaxanthin.

Studies of antioxidants show that astaxanthin is up to 500 times more powerful in slowing damage to cell membranes than vitamin E, a dietary supplement often used to combat ageing, and 10 times stronger than beta-carotene, an antioxidant known to boost the immune system, according to the pharmaceutical company . Studies also show that astaxanthin is safe and has no known side effects - even at four times the recommended dosage.

AstaFactor​ brand astaxanthin is a strong weapon in the battle against free radicals, oxidative stress and the many diseases that are associated with them. Independent researchers have investigated the potential of astaxanthin in in-vivo and in-vitro models of human disease and conclude that it may serve as a preventative or therapeutic treatment for disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, degenerative eye diseases, gastric disorders and cancer.

Because the molecular weight of astaxanthin is small enough tocross the blood-brain barrier, it may also be effective at battling certain neurodegenerative disorders. Ongoing clinical trials in academic centres throughout the world are attempting to further define the effects of astaxanthin on these disorders.