Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid pigment with the chemical formula C₄₀H₅₂O₄, found naturally in microalgae and aquatic animals such as salmon and crustaceans. It is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties, attributed to its unique molecular structure featuring conjugated double bonds and terminal hydroxyl/keto groups. These features enable astaxanthin to efficiently scavenge free radicals, quench singlet oxygen, inhibit lipid peroxidation, protect cell membranes from oxidative damage, modulate immune responses, reduce inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB/MAPK pathways, and regulate apoptotic proteins via PI3K/Akt signaling[1][2][3][4][5]. Astaxanthin has demonstrated potential benefits in cardiovascular health by delaying LDL oxidation[5], as well as neuroprotective effects against various neurological disorders through anti-apoptotic mechanisms[2]. While it plays important roles in biological systems relevant to human health and disease prevention or mitigation—especially those involving oxidative stress—it is not itself a therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme but rather an active compound with broad bioactivity. Note: The entry "Antioxidant activity via astaxanthin content" is not a valid molecular target or receptor. Instead, it describes a functional property mediated by the presence of astaxanthin—a small molecule antioxidant—not an endogenous protein or classical drug target. Therefore: is_target: false — Astaxanthin is not considered a therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme. is_incorrect: true — The entry refers to an effect/property rather than an actual molecular target; it should be replaced with "Astaxanthin" if information about the molecule itself is desired. If you require structured data on astaxanthin as a compound rather than as a "target," please clarify your request accordingly.

Scavenging of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS); Quenching singlet oxygen and free radicals