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

Iran J Microbiol. 2021 Aug;13(4):434-441. doi: 10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6965.ABSTRACTInflammation 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 interleukin-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 inflammatory 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.PMID:34557270 | PMC:PMC8421583 | DOI:10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6965
Source: Iranian Journal of Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Source Type: research