Home Ingredients AstaZine® (Natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis — BGG)
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AstaZine® (Natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis — BGG)

Haematococcus pluvialis
Evidence Level
Strong
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

AstaZine® is BGG's premium natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae — described by BGG as the first organically certified astaxanthin product (Ecocert®), with a high-purity astaxanthin profile (97% in the carotenoid fraction) produced in a fully-closed glass-tube photobioreactor system. Distinguished by 10 human clinical studies, 87 supporting pre-clinical trials, two NDIs filed with US FDA (12mg and 24mg), structure/function claims submitted under FDA notification (FDA filing 'without objection' is not an endorsement), and Self-affirmed GRAS status. The B2B side of Algae Health Sciences (BGG subsidiary). Used for: skin health, eye/visual function, cardiovascular, athletic performance, cognitive support, longevity.

Studied Dose 4-12 mg/day astaxanthin (research-validated; some applications 12-24 mg).
Active Compound Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae (97% pure in carotenoid fraction)

Benefits

Visual Function for Digital Screen Users (VDT)

A reported 6-week trial (not among the references cited on this page) described AstaZine 9 mg/day improving visual acuity in middle-aged and older subjects (40+) using visual display terminals. Effects most pronounced in those with age-related ciliary muscle decline. Note: the cited eye study (Kizawa 2021) tested a combination of anthocyanin, astaxanthin and lutein, so the eye benefit cannot be isolated to astaxanthin alone.

Supported by Trial 1

Skin Health and Photoprotection

Multiple astaxanthin trials show benefits for skin elasticity, hydration, and protection from UV damage (a meta-analysis found significant improvement in skin moisture and elasticity but did NOT find a significant reduction in wrinkle depth). Astaxanthin is among the most potent natural antioxidants for skin (deeper tissue penetration than many topicals).

Supported by Trial 1

Athletic Performance and Recovery

Astaxanthin reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation; may support endurance and recovery, though the main cited human trial (Earnest 2011) was small (roughly 14 completers), so this remains a single, small-study finding. Athletes use 4-12 mg/day.

Supported by Trial 1

Cognitive Function

Preliminary research suggests astaxanthin-rich H. pluvialis extract may support cognitive function in people with age-related memory complaints, but this use is not covered by the references cited on this page.

Supported by Trial 2

Anti-Fatigue

Preliminary research suggests astaxanthin may reduce mental and physical fatigue under everyday loads, but this use is not covered by the references cited on this page.

Supported by Trial 3

Cardiovascular Support

Astaxanthin has been studied for protecting LDL from oxidation and supporting endothelial function, with modest reported effects on blood pressure and lipids; this use is not covered by the references cited on this page.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Eye Health Beyond VDT

Crosses blood-retina barrier; supports retinal antioxidant defense; and may complement lutein/zeaxanthin, though the cited human eye evidence used a combination product rather than astaxanthin alone.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

Most Potent Natural Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is described as 'king of the carotenoids' — outperforms many natural antioxidants in radical scavenging assays. Distinguished by ability to span cell membranes (unlike beta-carotene which is fully lipid-soluble) — protects both inner and outer membrane surfaces.

2

Anti-Inflammatory NF-kB Inhibition

Cell and animal studies show astaxanthin inhibits NF-kB activation and inflammatory gene expression including iNOS and COX-2.

3

Crosses Blood-Brain and Blood-Retina Barriers

Distinguishes astaxanthin from many carotenoids — tissue distribution to brain and retina supports cognitive and visual applications.

4

Mitochondrial Membrane Protection

Astaxanthin protects mitochondrial membranes from oxidation; supports cellular energy production and reduces oxidative damage.

5

Haematococcus pluvialis Source

H. pluvialis microalgae produces astaxanthin under stress conditions (red color when stressed); BGG cultivates in fully-closed glass-tube photobioreactors preventing contamination and ensuring consistent quality.

Clinical trials

1
AstaZine for Visual Function in VDT Users — Recent Japan Study

Clinical trial of AstaZine 9 mg/day vs placebo for 6 weeks in 60 healthy adults aged 20-64 using visual display terminals.

60 adults aged 20-64 using digital screens.

Significant improvement in visual acuity of dominant eye in middle-aged and elderly subjects (40+). Effect attributed to reduction of VDT-related oxidative stress on ciliary muscle. Subjects under 40 showed no significant differences.

2
Astaxanthin for Cognitive Function

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of astaxanthin-rich H. pluvialis extract on cognitive function.

Adults with age-related memory concerns.

Significant improvements in cognitive function markers vs placebo.

3
Astaxanthin Anti-Fatigue

Clinical trial of astaxanthin on mental and physical fatigue in daily life simulation.

Adults with self-reported fatigue.

Reductions in mental and physical fatigue markers vs placebo.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally extremely well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress (rare).
Skin/palms slight orange-pink tint at very high doses (harmless, reversible).
Allergic reactions to algae rare.
Self-affirmed GRAS at clinical doses.

Important Drug interactions

Generally minimal drug interactions.
Anticoagulants — modest theoretical effects; consult.
Antihypertensives — modest BP effects.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors — theoretical interactions (minor).
Pregnancy — generally considered safe at moderate doses; consult.
Lactation — generally considered safe at moderate doses.
Children — appropriate at proportional doses.

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Frequently asked questions about AstaZine® (Natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis — BGG)

What is AstaZine?

AstaZine® is BGG's premium natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae — described by BGG as the first organically certified astaxanthin product (Ecocert®), with a high-purity astaxanthin profile (97% in the carotenoid fraction) produced in a fully-closed glass-tube photobioreactor system.

What is AstaZine used for?

AstaZine is researched primarily for Antioxidant, Eye Health, and Hair, Skin & Nails. A reported 6-week trial (not among the references cited on this page) described AstaZine 9 mg/day improving visual acuity in middle-aged and older subjects (40+) using visual display terminals.

What is the recommended dosage of AstaZine?

The clinically studied dose is 4-12 mg/day astaxanthin (research-validated; some applications 12-24 mg). Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is AstaZine safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, AstaZine is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally extremely well-tolerated. Mild GI distress (rare). It may also interact with some medications. AstaZine is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does AstaZine interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Generally minimal drug interactions. Anticoagulants — modest theoretical effects; consult. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for AstaZine?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for AstaZine as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 5 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(5 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on human subjects. Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43-7..PubMedUsed to support: Two studies (open-label n=30 women; double-blind placebo-controlled n=36 men) using Haematococcus astaxanthin (6 mg/day oral +/- topical): improved wrinkles, elasticity and skin moisture. Supports the skin claim, but the female arm was open-label and total samples were small.
  2. Ito N, Seki S, Ueda F. The protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy people-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):817. doi: 10.3390/nu10070817.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT (n=23): 4 mg/day astaxanthin over 10 weeks raised the minimal erythema dose (UV resistance), reduced UV-induced moisture loss and improved skin texture vs placebo. Supports photoprotection/skin claims; small single-center sample.
  3. Zhou X, Cao Q, Orfila C, Zhao J, Zhang L. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of astaxanthin on human skin ageing. Nutrients. 2021;13(9):2917. doi: 10.3390/nu13092917.PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis (11 studies, 9 RCTs): oral astaxanthin significantly restored skin moisture and improved elasticity vs placebo, but did not significantly reduce wrinkle depth. Honest framing: skin-aging benefit is real but partial, and trials are small/heterogeneous.
  4. Kizawa Y, Sekikawa T, Kageyama M, Tomobe H, Kobashi R, Yamada T. Effects of anthocyanin, astaxanthin, and lutein on eye functions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2021;69(1):77-90. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.20-149.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind placebo-controlled RCT in adults with screen-related eye fatigue: a combined anthocyanin + astaxanthin + lutein supplement improved pupillary (accommodative) response and subjective focusing symptoms vs placebo. Caveat: combination product, so the astaxanthin-specific contribution cannot be isolated.
  5. Earnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TS. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. Int J Sports Med. 2011;32(11):882-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1280779.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized controlled trial in competitive cyclists (n=21; 14 completers): 4 mg/day astaxanthin for 28 days improved 20 km time-trial time (-121 s) and power output vs placebo. Supports the exercise-performance claim, but the completer sample was very small (n=7/group).