Astaxanthin esters are available as dark red viscous oils. Astaxanthin is practically insoluble in water, it is partially soluble in ethanol, soluble in acetone and n-hexane. Two popular extraction methods are used for astaxanthin and they are supercritical CO2 extraction and acetone extraction method. Compositional analysis of astaxanthin esters manufactured by both methods is similar, but the acetone extracted product has higher values for tocopherols and phospholipids. Other Details: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment, it is also a powerful biological antioxidant Astaxanthin has strong free radical scavenging activity and protects against lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol, cell membranes, cells, and tissues Astaxanthin is believed to have many health benefits. Chemicially, astaxanthin has two chiral atoms and several double bonds Though structurally similar to beta-carotene, astaxanthin is polar and more anti-oxidative, and the structural attributes of astaxanthin have been purported to enhance its membrane function activities and thus provide a benefit or a protective effect against degenerative conditions. Astaxanthin can be found in many of seafoods such as salmon, trout, seabream and shrimps. Astaxanthin cannot be synthesized by animals and must be provided in the diet. The main or richest commercial source for natural astaxanthin is Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. Manufacturers have the advanced biotechnology process to cultivate large amount of enriched algae cells for mass production and eliminate the issues of contaminations and salinity. Haematococcus microalgae is cultivated in an environmental conditions using the natural sun light as the energy source all year round. Thus, the process is cost-effective and users enjoy the low price of astaxanthin supplements. For last 2 decades, 300 articles and patents or more have been published about astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a small lipid soluble molecule, it can cross the blood brain and retina barriers easily. Because of its antioxidant activities and its blood brain/retina permeability, astaxanthin was found to have benefits on inflammation, diabetics, certain cardiovascular, vision and neuronal conditions. The uses of astaxanthin esters are for addition to foods as a nutrient. Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the cellular and mitochondrial membranes and ocular tissues against oxidative damage. Addition of astaxanthin to certain food is intended for populations that do not consume marine foods. Astaxanthin is also commonly used as an color additive in the feed of salmonid fish to enhance the color of the flesh.Product Details: Latin Name: Astaxanthin CAS No.: 472-61-7 Active Ingredient: Natural Astaxanthin Specifications: 1%-10% Test Method: HPLC ([3S,3'S]-3,3'-dihydroxy-p,p-carotene4,4'-dionCeA,S Registry Number: 472-61-7 Weight: 596.8 daltons