Astaxanthin; Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Natural Astaxanthin Manufacturer | The King of Antioxidants CAS: 472-61-7 | Source: Haematococcus Pluvialis Microalgae Forms: 10% Oleoresin (Oil), 1%-10% Powder (CWS/Beadlets) | Purity: HPLC, Verified Certifications: ISO9001, HACCP, Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO • Superior Potency: 550x stronger than Vitamin E, 10x stronger than β-Carotene. • Extraction Tech: Supercritical CO2 Extraction (No Solvent Residue). • Bioavailability: Micro-encapsulated CWS powder for water-soluble applications. • Quick Supply: Ready Stock in China for immediate dispatch.
Introduction

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment substance that belongs to the carotenoid family. While it occurs naturally in salmon, shrimp, and lobster, the most potent and commercially viable source for human consumption is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis.
Unlike synthetic astaxanthin (often derived from petrochemicals for feed use), our Natural Astaxanthin is derived exclusively from microalgae stressed under controlled sunlight conditions to produce the highest concentration of bio-active astaxanthin. It is widely recognized as the "King of Carotenoids" due to its unique molecular structure, which allows it to span the entire cell membrane, providing broad-spectrum antioxidant protection from the inside out.
Category:
Keywords:
astaxanthin
pluvialis
Functions
1.The "King of Antioxidants" (MOA)
• Membrane Protection: Uniquely positioned across the lipid bi-layer of cell membranes, quenching free radicals in both the inner and outer layers.
• Singlet Oxygen Quenching: Exhibits an antioxidant capacity 6,000 times greater than Vitamin C and 800 times greater than Coenzyme-Q10.
2.Eye & Vision Health
• Blood-Retina Barrier: One of the few antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-retina barrier to protect the macula from UV-radiation and digital eye strain (blue light damage).

3.Skin Photo-Protection
• Internal Sunscreen: Reduces UV-induced inflammation and DNA damage, improving skin elasticity and moisture content (often marketed as "edible cosmetics").
4.Muscle Recovery & Endurance
• Mitochondrial Support: Protects mitochondria in muscle cells from oxidative stress during intense exercise, reducing lactic acid build-up and recovery time.
Applications
Dietary Supplements:
• Softgels: 10% Astaxanthin Oleoresin is the standard for high-potency softgels (4mg/12mg dosage).
• Tablets/Hard Capsules: Cold Water Soluble (CWS) powder or Beadlets for multi-vitamin blends.
Cosmetics (Nutri-cosmetics):
• Anti-Aging Creams: Added for its potent ability to reduce wrinkles and age spots (Note: It imparts an orange color).

Functional Foods:
• Beverages: CWS powder allows for clear dispersion in energy drinks and functional beverages.
Aquaculture (Feed Grade):
• Pigmentation: Essential for the natural coloration of Salmon, Trout, and ornamental fish (Koi), improving the color of their flesh or feather.
Flow Chart
1.Cultivation: Haematococcus pluvialis cultivation in closed photo-bioreactors (Green Stage).
2.Stressing: Exposure to intense light/nutrient deprivation to trigger astaxanthin accumulation (Red Stage).
3.Harvesting: Centrifugation to collect algal biomass.
4.Drying: Spray drying or freeze drying of the biomass.
5.Crushing: Cell wall breaking (Critical step for bioavailability).
6.Extraction: Supercritical CO2 Extraction Technology(Low temp, high pressure) to isolate the oleoresin.
7.Formulation:
• For Oil: Standardization with carrier oil (Olive/Safflower).
• For Powder: Micro-encapsulation (Spray drying).
8.Packaging: Vacuum sealed Aluminum bottles/bags.
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Natural Astaxanthin 10% Oleoresin (Oil)
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | Dark red viscous oil | Conforms |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 10.0% (Available: 5%, 10%) | 10.3% |
| Astaxanthin Form | Free + Esterified (Mono/Di-esters) | Conforms |
| Solvent Residue | None (Supercritical CO2) | Not Detected |
| Peroxide Value | ≤ 10 meq/kg | 3.5 meq/kg |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤ 10 ppm | < 5 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | 0.05 ppm |
| Microbiology | Total Plate Count < 1000 CFU/g | Conforms |
| Pesticides | Meets USP/EU Standards | Conforms |
Note: We also supply 2% - 5% CWS Powder for water-soluble applications.
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
We use HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) for accurate quantification.
• Enzymatic De-esterification: Since natural astaxanthin exists largely as esters, samples are treated with cholesterol esterase prior to HPLC analysis to convert all forms into free astaxanthin for accurate total measurement.

• Detection: UV-Vis detector at 474nm.
• Differentiation: HPLC separates Astaxanthin from other carotenoids like Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Canthaxanthin.
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Image Placeholder: HPLC Chromatogram of Natural Astaxanthin)
A typical chromatogram of Haematococcus extract shows a major peak for all-trans-astaxanthin, along with characteristic minor peaks for 9-cis and 13-cis isomers. This profile confirms the natural origin (synthetic astaxanthin has a different stereoisomer ratio, typically 1:2:1).
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Sensitivity: Astaxanthin is highly sensitive to light, oxygen, and heat.
• Protection: Our Oil is stored in aluminum bottles with nitrogen head-space. Our powder is micro-encapsulated (beadlets) to protect the active core.
• Shelf Life: 24 months when stored at <8°C (refrigerated). At room temperature (25°C), shelf life is limited to 12 months for open containers.
• Stability Data: Product retained 95% potency after 12 months at 4°C.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food and supplement use.
• Storage: Store Refrigerated (2-8°C) is highly recommended for long-term storage. Keep container tightly closed.
• Handling: Intense red color—will stain clothing and skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing.
Customer Comments
Quality Assurance Lead, Nutraceutical Brand, USA
2026.03.21
★★★★☆
R&D Manager, Functional Beverage Co., Japan
2026.03.21
★★★★☆
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FAQ
What is the difference between Natural and Synthetic Astaxanthin?
• Natural: Derived from Haematococcus pluvialis. Contains predominantly the (3S, 3'S) stereoisomer (100% bio-active). Safe for human consumption and easy to absorb. • Synthetic: Derived from petrochemicals. Contains a mix of stereoisomers (1:2:1). Primarily used for animal feed (coloring salmon) and has lower biological antioxidant activity in humans. We sell both kinds.
Why is the cell wall breaking important?
Haematococcus algae have a tough cell wall that the human digestive system cannot break down. We use physical cell-wall breaking technology (cracking rate >98%) to ensure the astaxanthin oil is released and absorbed by the body.
Does it contains allergens (Shellfish)?
No. Although astaxanthin is found in shrimp, our product is 100% Vegan, derived from microalgae. It is safe for people with shellfish allergies.
References
1.Ambati, R. R., et al. (2014). Astaxanthin: sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications—a review. Marine drugs.
2.Capelli, B., & Cysewski, G. R. (2014). Natural astaxanthin: King of the carotenoids. Cyanotech Corporation.
3.Naguib, Y. M. (2000). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry.
4.Guerin, M., et al. (2003). Haematococcus astaxanthin: applications for human health and nutrition. Trends in biotechnology.
5.Yamashita, E. (2006). The effect of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on skin condition. Carotenoid Science.