Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Haematococcus pluvialis is one of the richest sources of natural astaxanthin, which is considered as a "super anti-oxidant". In the present study, we investigated the antihypercholesterolemic activity in the astaxanthin extract of green alga H. pluvialis.
Materials and Methods: To accomplish this, astaxanthin extracted with acetone and was separated by thin-layer chromatography. Animals were housed in separate cages under the controlled condition with temperature (22 ± 2°C) provided a 12 h light/dark cycle. Rats were divided into five groups; each group consisted of six rats. Group 1 (Normal group NC) rats were given (orally) normal standard rat feed (250 mg/kg b.w./per day). Group 2 was given high fat diet (250 mg/kg b.w./per day). Group 3 was given H. pluvialis astaxanthin extract (250 mg/kg b.w./per day). Group 4 was given astaxanthin extract along with a high protein diet (250 mg/kg b.w./per day) and group 5 was given astaxanthin standard, dissolved in an equal volume of liquid paraffin for 30 days.
Results: Among the treatment, astaxanthin extract was found to be an effective antihypercholesterolemic agent.
Conclusion: The present study reveals that H. pluvialis astaxanthin extract can be used for the different food formulations for human welfare.