Identification of Carotenoids from Green Alga Haematococcus pluvialis by HPLC and LC-MS (APCI) and Their Antioxidant Properties

Haematococcus pluvialis, a green alga, accumulates astaxanthin
(3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β'-carotene-4,4'-dione) upto 2-3% on a
dry weight basis. In the present study, identification of
carotenoids from Haematococcus cyst cell extract by HPLC
and LC-MS (APCI) and their antioxidant properties were
evaluated in in vitro model systems. The extract exhibited
89% and 78% antioxidant activities in the β-carotene
linoleate model and the hydroxyl radical scavenging model,
at 9 ppm of total carotenoid, respectively. The extract also
showed 80%, 85%, and 79% antioxidant activities against
lipid peroxidation in the kidney, brain, and liver of rats.
Low-density lipoprotein oxidation induced by Cu2+ ions
was also protected (45%, 64%, and 75%) by the extract in
a dose-dependent manner with different carotenoid levels.
Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in
the blood, liver, and kidney of rats were also significantly
(p<0.005) decreased in H. pluvialis-treated rats. The potent
antioxidant activity is attributable to various carotenoids
present in the extract.