Multiple Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Effects Exerted by Astaxanthin

Abstract

Astaxanthin (ATX) is a xanthophyll carotenoid which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) as food colorant in animal and fish feed. It is widely found in algae and aquatic animals and has powerful anti-oxidative activity. Previous studies have revealed that ATX, with its anti-oxidative property, is beneficial as a therapeutic agent for various diseases without any side effects or toxicity. In addition, ATX also shows preclinical anti-tumor efficacy both in vivo and in vitro in various cancer models. Several researches have deciphered that ATX exerts its anti-proliferative, anti-apoptosis and anti-invasion influence via different molecules and pathways including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Hence, ATX shows great promise as chemotherapeutic agents in cancer. Here, we review the rapidly advancing field of ATX in cancer therapy as well as some molecular targets of ATX.

Effects of Dietary Xanthophylls, Canthaxanthin and Astaxanthin on N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced Rat Mammary Carcinogenesis

“…However, when comparing the anticancer potential of canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, the growth inhibitory action of astaxanthin was observed to be greater than canthaxanthin in a mouse mammary tumor inoculation assay (8). This is in agreement with the present observation that the protective effects of canthaxanthin against mammary cancer may be weaker than astaxanthin in rats.…”

“…These natural xanthophylls are considered powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory nutrients (4), and have potential for improving insulin-resistant status (5). Biological activities related to the anticancer properties of xanthophylls have also been repeatedly described (6)(7)(8). However, the precise anticarcinogenic mechanisms of these xanthophylls remain unclear, especially when administered during early stages of carcinogenesis.…”

Astaxanthin inhibits hallmarks of cancer by targeting the PI3K/NF‐κΒ/STAT3 signalling axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma models

“…Astaxanthin has also been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammatory and anti‐proliferative properties . The anticancer effects of AXT have been attributed to its ability to inhibit oncogenic signalling kinases and transcription factors implicated in the acquisition of cancer hallmarks …”

Biocompatible astaxanthin as novel contrast agent for biomedical imaging

“…Another advantage for astaxanthin is the FDA‐approved biosafety for human consumption . Zhang et al has also reported that the cellular uptake of astaxanthin leads to inhibit a nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) . In turn, binding to NF‐κB could enable astaxanthin to specifically target the tumor cells.…”