Supplementation Effect of Astaxanthin on Blood Flow and Shoulder Stiffness -A Preliminary Pilot Study-

Abstract

An exploratory open-label human clinical study was performed in healthy adults with shoulder stiffness to evaluate the efficacy of Astaxanthin by means of measuring blood flow change in the shoulders and subjective questionnaires on physical conditions, including alleviation of stiffness before and after treatment. Two capsules containing 3 mg Astaxanthin each (6 mg in total) were administered once daily (6 mg a day) on days 1 to 28 (4 weeks) to 13 patients (3 men/10 women). All patients were assessed for efficacy and the study demonstrated significant improvements in physical conditions such as shoulder stiffness, physical fatigue, sense of mental irritation, sense of coldness in hands and feet, eye fatigue and eye bleariness. Significant increases of blood flow in shoulders were observed at the end of treatment using laser-doppler graphics. Blood tests conducted to confirm safety before and at the end of treatment showed no clinical differences, and no adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, Astaxanthin appeared to safely alleviate stiff shoulders and improve other physical conditions during a 4-week open-label study.

Effects of anthocyanin, astaxanthin, and lutein on eye functions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

“…Anthocyanins derived from bilberries are reported to have a vasorelaxing effect by increasing NO, ( 5 ) and astaxanthin has also been suggested to show blood flow improving effects by inhibiting the oxidative damage of erythrocyte membranes via the inhibition of lipid peroxidation on cell membranes and preserving the deformation ability of erythrocytes. ( 31 ) Improvement of blood circulation might contribute to the relaxation of the accommodative function related muscles, such as ciliary muscles, sphincter pupillae muscles, and dilator pupillae muscles. Therefore, ingestion of the test food is thought to improve the accommodative function by relaxing the tension of the accommodative function related muscles through the improvement of microcirculatory dynamics that transport nutrients to the ciliary muscles, sphincter pupillae muscles, and dilator pupillae muscles.…”

Effects of Products Containing <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> var. <i>natto</i> on Healthy Subjects with Neck and Shoulder Stiffness, a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Crossover Study

“…Skin surface temperature and blood flow are also used to assess neck and shoulder pain and dysfunction. [19][20][21][22][23] In order to assess blood flow near the shoulders and neck, the current study also measured skin surface temperature and blood flow. NKCP ® did not increase blood flow in the shoulders and neck, but it increased skin surface temperature in those areas.…”