Research Progress on Astaxanthin in Exercise-Induced Fatigue

© 2025 by the Authors. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

Download PDF

Cite

XML

HTML

Abstract

Exercise-induced fatigue represents a complex physiological response triggered by physical exertion, with its mechanisms primarily originating from central and peripheral systems. Central fatigue arises from neurotransmitter imbalances such as elevated serotonin and reduced dopamine levels, leading to drowsiness and diminished motor performance. Peripheral fatigue occurs at the muscular level, where energy depletion, metabolic waste accumulation, and oxidative stress impair muscle contraction function. Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, directly and primarily alleviates peripheral fatigue through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protective effects. Simultaneously, by improving the peripheral environment and reducing the transmission of fatigue signals to the brain, it indirectly helps alleviate central fatigue. Based on this, this paper reviews the mechanisms of action and related research progress of astaxanthin on exercise-induced fatigue, and discusses its application value and challenges based on the current status.

References

Zarneshan S, Fakhri S, Farzaei M, et al., 2020, Astaxanthin Targets PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Toward Potential Therapeutic Applications. Food Chem Toxicol, 145: 111714.

Ambati R, Phang S, Ravi S, et al., 2014, Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications – A Review. Mar Drugs, 12(1): 128–152.

Higuera-Ciapara I, Félix-Valenzuela L, Goycoolea F, et al., 2006, Astaxanthin: A Review of Its Chemistry and Applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 46: 185–196.

Wu W, Li L, Xie X, et al., 2018, Development of Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion Using Response Surface Methodology. Food Industry Science and Technology, 39(10): 204–210.

Yao K, Wang Y, Li J, et al., 2018, Study on the Antioxidant Activity of Astaxanthin with Different Stereochemical Configurations Against Lipid Peroxidation. Chinese Journal of Food Science, 38(12): 1–8.

Wu L, Chen N, 2019, Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Research Progress on Its Regulation by Soybean Peptides. Food Science, 40(17): 302–308.

Chen H, Ma X, Cao L, et al., 2020, Research Progress on Exercise Fatigue Mechanisms and Food-Derived Anti-Fatigue Active Ingredients. Food Science, 41(11): 247–258.

Zhang X, Jing S, Lin H, et al., 2019, Anti-Fatigue Effect of Anwulignan via the NRF2 and PGC-1α Signaling Pathway in Mice. Food & Function, 10(12): 7755–7766.

Mason S, Morrison D, McConell G, et al., 2016, Muscle Redox Signaling Pathways in Exercise: Role of Antioxidants. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98: 29–45.

Trinity J, Broxterman R, Richardson R, 2016, Regulation of Exercise Blood Flow: Role of Free Radicals. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98: 90–102.

Villalain J, 2025, Location and Dynamics of Astaxanthin in the Membrane. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 270: 105512.

Chen Z, Xiao J, Liu H, et al., 2020, Astaxanthin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Immune Impairment in D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Rats by Activating the Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway and Suppressing the NF-κB Pathway. Food & Function, 11(9): 8099–8111.

Peake J, Neubauer O, Della Gatta P, et al., 2017, Muscle Damage and Inflammation During Recovery from Exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 122(3): 559–570.

Samarghandian S, Azimi-Nezhad M, Farkhondeh T, 2019, Thymoquinone-Induced Antitumor and Apoptosis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells. J Cell Physiol, 234(7): 10421–10431.

Choi S, Park Y, Choi D, et al., 2008, Effects of Astaxanthin on the Production of NO and the Expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-Stimulated BV2 Microglial Cells. J Microbiol Biotechnol, 18: 1990–1996.

Park C, Xu F, Roh S, et al., 2015, Astaxanthin and Corni Fructus Protect Against Diabetes-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Advanced Glycation End Product in Livers of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. J Med Food, 18: 337–344.

Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, et al., 2015, Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 783761.

Rutkowska D, Torlińska T, 1994, Structure and Function of F0F1-ATPase in Procaryota and Eucaryota. Postepy Hig Med Dosw, 48(1): 91–104.

Cao X, Xu D, Yang F, 2011, Protective Effects of Astaxanthin Against Oxidative Damage to Mitochondrial Membranes and Enzymes Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species. Environmental Pollution and Public Health Conference Proceedings.

Brand M, 2016, Mitochondrial Generation of Superoxide and Hydrogen Peroxide as the Source of Mitochondrial Redox Signaling. Free Radic Biol Med, 100: 14–31.

Peoples J, Saraf A, Ghazal N, et al., 2019, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Heart Disease. Exp Mol Med, 51: 1–13.

Aoi W, Naito Y, Sakuma K, et al., 2003, Astaxanthin Limits Exercise-Induced Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Damage in Mice. Antioxid Redox Signal, 5: 139–144.

Aoi W, Naito Y, Takanami Y, et al., 2008, Astaxanthin Improves Muscle Lipid Metabolism in Exercise via Inhibitory Effect of Oxidative CPT I Modification. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 366: 892–897.

Brown D, Gough L, Deb S, et al., 2017, Astaxanthin in Exercise Metabolism, Performance and Recovery: A Review. Front Nutr, 4: 76.

Djordjevic B, Baralic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, et al., 2012, Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Oxidative Stress Markers in Elite Young Soccer Players. J Sports Med Phys Fit, 52(4): 382–392.

Res P, Cermak N, Stinkens R, et al., 2013, Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Augment Fat Use or Improve Endurance Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 45(6): 1158–1165.

Brown D, Warner A, Deb S, et al., 2021, The Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Performance and Fat Oxidation During a 40 km Cycling Time Trial. J Sci Med Sport, 24(1): 92–97.

Zhang Z, Gao B, 2022, Mechanism of Hyperbaric Oxygen Combined with Astaxanthin Mediating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway to Improve Exercise Fatigue in Mice. Comput Intell Neurosci, 2022(1): 6444747.

Previous article in this issue

Next article in this issue