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Review
. 2021 Aug;13(4):434-441.
doi: 10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6965.

Astaxanthin protective barrier and its ability to improve the health in patients with COVID-19

Ali-Reza Ahmadi  1 , Roya Ayazi-Nasrabadi  1
Affiliations
Review

Astaxanthin protective barrier and its ability to improve the health in patients with COVID-19

Ali-Reza Ahmadi et al. Iran J Microbiol. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Inflammation acts like a double-edged sword and can be harmful if not appropriately controlled. COVID-19 is created through a novel species of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV). Elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), etc. lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and severe complications of infection in the lungs of coronavirus-infected patients. Astaxanthin is a natural and potent carotenoid with powerful antioxidant activity as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that supports good health. The effects of astaxanthin on the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways and the reduction and suppression of cytokines and other inflammatory agents such as IL-6 and TNF-α have already been identified. Therefore, these unique features can make this natural compound an excellent option to minimize inflammation and its consequences.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory agent; Astaxanthin; COVID-19; Interleukin-6; Respiratory distress syndrome; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Astaxanthin as a barrier against Coronavirus
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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