Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Astaxanthin with Droplet Size Reduction

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a natural xanthophyll abundantly found in Haematococcus pluvaris with strong antioxidant property and it is found to be useful in many biological functions. Recent scientific findings indicate that astaxanthin shows low oral bioavailability due to its lipophilicity. However, the influence of emulsion droplet size on astaxanthin bioavailability is yet to be studied. This study was performed to investigate the effects of emulsion droplet size reduction on the bioavailability of astaxanthin emulsion through oral administration. In vivo study was carried out to evaluate the rate and extent of absorption of macro and nanosized emulsion an oil solution formulation. The nanosized emulsion shows increased C_max and AUC_0-∞ and decreased T_max values with a reduction of the emulsion globule size. The AUC_0-∞ of nanosized compared to macrosized emulsion and oil solution was increased by 110% − 140% and 140% − 200% respectively.