Zeaxanthin and eyesight
Zeaxanthin in combination with Lutein is helpful in maintaining healthy eyesight and in many cases improving eyesight.

Eyesight Rx with zeaxanthin and lutein
Developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Those who take Eyesight Rx notice better daytime and nighttime vision.

Click here to buy Eyesight Rx with zeaxanthin, to receive a FREE health research newsletter, or to see hundreds of effective supplement products including Diet Rx, Mind Power Rx, Passion Rx, and others

Zeaxanthin in marigold herb
There are several herbs that have lutein and zeaxanthin. A common source of these Carotenoids is the herb marigold. See lutein eye for more information. Also see bilberry extract information for better vision.

Zeaxanthin eye benefit in diabetes in animal study
Beneficial effect of zeaxanthin on retinal metabolic abnormalities in diabetic rats.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 April. Kowluru RA, Menon B, Gierhart DL. Department of Ophthalmology, Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
 Recent studies have shown that two dietary carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, that are specifically concentrated within ocular tissues, may play important roles in maintaining their integrity. This study is to evaluate the potential protective effects of zeaxanthin against retinal oxidative damage and growth factors in diabetes. A group of rats received normal powdered diet or powdered diet supplemented with 0.02% or 0.1% zeaxanthin soon after induction of diabetes. Zeaxanthin supplementation prevented diabetes-induced increase in retinal damage Zeaxanthin significantly inhibits diabetes-induced retinal oxidative damage and elevation in vascular endothelial cell growth factor and adhesion molecule, all abnormalities that are associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. The results suggest that zeaxanthin supplementation has the potential to inhibit the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

Astaxanthin information
Astaxanthin for sale
Eyesight Rx with astaxanthin -- formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D. for vision enhancement

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid made by plants and algae, and found in marine seafood such as salmon. Astaxanthin is also available as a food supplement either by itself or combined with other carotenoids.

Buy Astaxanthin Antioxidant Carotenoid, Source Naturals, 2 mg, 60 Softgels

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid that is closely related to beta-carotene and Lutein. Because of its unique structure, astaxanthin provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits. Astaxanthin may play a key role in the protection of cell membranes against free radical attacks. Astaxanthin is a natural concentrate of marine algae Haematococcus pulvialis, which is cultivated in the warm waters of Hawaii. Recent studies have indicated that astaxanthin is more powerful than its carotenoid cousin beta-carotene at trapping singlet oxygen free radicals.

Click here to buy Astaxanthin supplement

Astaxanthin benefits
Astaxanthin is likely to be beneficial in conditions where antioxidants and other carotenoids are helpful. Astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase and thus could be useful in prostate health.

Astaxanthin summary
There's little human research available regarding the exact health benefits of astaxanthin supplements. The ideal dosage of astaxanthin supplements is not known. However some of the astaxanthin research listed below is promising.

Astaxanthin benefit for eyes
Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization with an anti-inflammatory carotenoid astaxanthin.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 April.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Astaxanthin on the development of experimental choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Laser photocoagulation was used to induce CNV in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were pretreated with intraperitoneal injections of Astaxanthin daily for 3 days before photocoagulation, and treatments were continued daily until the end of the study. Astaxanthin treatment, together with inflammatory processes including NF-kappaB activation, subsequent upregulation of inflammatory molecules, and macrophage infiltration, led to significant suppression of CNV development. The present study suggests the possibility of Astaxanthin supplementation as a therapeutic strategy to suppress CNV associated with age related macular degeneration.

Astaxanthin drug interactions
Q. Can you tell me if the clinical trials mention the P450 pathways or if there have been trials that list interactions of astaxanthin with others drugs?
   A. We are not aware of studies that have evaluated astaxanthin supplement use in combination with prescription medications or drugs.

Astaxanthin Studies
A preliminary investigation of the enzymatic inhibition of 5alpha-reduction and growth of prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCap-FGC by natural astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto lipid extract in vitro.
J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(1):17-26. Anderson ML. Research and Development, Triarco Industries, Wayne, NJ 07470
Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase has been reported to decrease the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and possibly inhibit or help treat prostate cancer. Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract is reported to inhibit 5alpha-reductase and decrease the clinical symptoms of BPH. Epidemiologic studies report that carotenoids such as lycopene may inhibit prostate cancer. In this investigation the effect of the carotenoid astaxanthin, and Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract were examined for their effect on 5alpha-reductase inhibition as well as the growth of prostatic carcinoma cells in vitro. The results show astaxanthin demonstrated 98% inhibition of 5alpha-reductase at 300 microg/mL in vitro. Alphastat, the combination of astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract, showed a 20% greater inhibition of 5alpha-reductase than Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract alone n vitro. Low levels of carotenoid astaxanthin inhibit 5alpha-reductase and decrease the growth of human prostatic cancer cells in vitro. Astaxanthin added to Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract shows greater inhibition of 5alpha-reductase than Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract alone in vitro.

Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice.
Biofactors. 2004;20(1):49-59.
Oxidative stress is implicated as an important mechanism by which diabetes causes nephropathy. Astaxanthin, which is found as a common pigment in algae, fish, and birds, is a carotenoid with significant potential for antioxidative activity. In this study, we examined whether chronic administration of astaxanthin could prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy induced by oxidative stress in mice. The mice were divided into three groups as follows: non-diabetic, diabetic, and diabetic treated with astaxanthin. After 12 weeks of treatment, the astaxanthin -treated group showed a lower level of blood glucose compared with the non-treated db/db group. The results suggested that the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin reduced the oxidative stress on the kidneys and prevented renal cell damage. In conclusion, administration of astaxanthin might be a novel approach for the prevention of diabetes nephropathy.

Astaxanthin questions
Q. I just learned about astaxanthin and in reading on it, I found out it is also in yeast. Since I am a vegan, and this comes from fish, shrimp, etc. I was wondering if I took nutritional yeast, how much astaxanthin would be available?
   A. We really don't know the amount of astaxanthin in yeast, it may depend on the particular product being used. You could consider contacting the manufacturer of the actual yeast product you are using to see if they have done such astaxanthin analysis.

Q. I am going to buy astaxanthin supplements and suggest several friends buy it also. Almost every brand is 4 mg. The Source Naturals Astaxanthin product has 2 mg. I’m considering BiosAstin, or NSI or Source Naturals. Also, is there astaxanthin in Eyesight Rx?
   A. Many people think that a higher dosage of a supplement is healthier but that is not often the case. The body has a balance of nutrients and sometimes taking much more than the body needs can be counterproductive. There is no human research that says 4 mg is healthier than a lower dosage. There are many good astaxanthin products on the market including Source Naturals, and we have no reason to suspect that BiosAstin and NSI are any better or worse. There is very little astaxanthin in Eyesight Rx.

5HTP 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor that can act as an anti aphrodisiac. An anti aphrodisiac would be an herb or substance that reduces sexual interest, sensation, or interferes with erectile function.
AHCC is used as an immune supplement.
CoQ10 Coenzyme qQ10 information. CoQ10 does not have an aphrodisiac benefit but can improve energy levels.
Eyesight and vision information and how to improve eyesight naturally.
Weight loss pill information with natural herbs and botanical extracts. See also hoodia diet weight for more information on weight loss.
Yohimbe bark is found in a potent and effective sexual enhancing formula. You can also find Yohimbe bark here.

Q. Does Eyebright herb improve eyesight?
   A. The effects of eyebright herb on vision are minimal compared to lutein, zeaxanthin and Eyesight Rx.

Q. Are there any obvious interactions between astaxanthin supplements and tryptophan supplement?
   A. Not that we are aware of.

Zizyphus jujuba date has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

This zeaxanthin and astaxanthin page was last updated in 2008.