Astaxanthin protective barrier and its ability to improve the health in patients with COVID-19

Ali-Reza Ahmadi; Roya Ayazi-Nasrabadi

doi:10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6965

Ali-Reza Ahmadi Department of Biomedical Sciences, Women Research Center, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
Roya Ayazi-Nasrabadi Department of Biomedical Sciences, Women Research Center, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6965

Keywords: COVID-19; Interleukin-6; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Respiratory distress syndrome; Astaxanthin; Anti-in- flammatory agent

Abstract

Inflammation acts like a double-edged sword and can be harmful if not appropriately controlled. COVID-19 is created through a novel species of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV). Elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as inter- leukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), etc. lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and severe complications of infection in the lungs of coronavirus-infected patients. Astaxanthin is a natural and potent carotenoid with powerful antioxidant activity as well as an anti-inflammatory agent that supports good health. The effects of astaxanthin on the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways and the reduction and suppression of cytokines and other inflam- matory agents such as IL-6 and TNF-α have already been identified. Therefore, these unique features can make this natural compound an excellent option to minimize inflammation and its consequences.