The Role of Astaxanthin as an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agent in Human Health: A Systematic Review.

2026-01-09
International journal of molecular sciences 27(2)
- Giuseppina Malcangi
- Angelo Michele Inchingolo
- Lucia Casamassima
- Irma Trilli
- Laura Ferrante
- Marialuisa Longo
- Francesco Inchingolo
- Grazia Marinelli
- Andrea Palermo
- Gianna Dipalma
- Alessio Danilo Inchingolo

PubMed: 41596351
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27020700

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Population: human participants; women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
Methods: systematic search in Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed for articles published between 2020 and 2025; fifteen studies involving human participants were included, while in vitro and animal studies were excluded

Rigorous Journal

This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of astaxanthin (ASX) supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic regulation in human studies. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed for articles published between 2020 and 2025. Fifteen studies involving human participants were included, while in vitro and animal studies were excluded. ASX consistently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1) and oxidative stress indices while increasing antioxidant capacity (SOD, TAC). Combined ASX and exercise interventions improved body composition, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and immune recovery. In women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, ASX downregulated endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptotic pathways and improved oocyte and embryo quality. Cardiometabolic and respiratory outcomes showed improved endothelial function and reduced disease severity. Astaxanthin demonstrates broad antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its role as a promising adjunctive therapy for metabolic, reproductive, and cardiovascular health. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm optimal dosing and mechanisms of action.

Research Insights

Astaxanthin→Improved Blood Lipid Profile
Combined ASX and exercise interventions improved body composition, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and immune recovery.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astaxanthin→Improved Body Composition
Combined ASX and exercise interventions improved body composition, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and immune recovery.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astaxanthin→Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Combined ASX and exercise interventions improved body composition, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and immune recovery.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astaxanthin→Improved Vascular Endothelial Function
Cardiometabolic and respiratory outcomes showed improved endothelial function and reduced disease severity.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astaxanthin→Increased Antioxidant Capacity
ASX consistently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1) and oxidative stress indices while increasing antioxidant capacity (SOD, TAC).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Astaxanthin→Reduced Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
ASX consistently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1) and oxidative stress indices while increasing antioxidant capacity (SOD, TAC).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate