Research progress on the protective effect of astaxanthin on traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is fatal and has a high disability rate, which is a serious hazard to human health. Secondary cascading injury after TBI is an important cause of poor prognosis. Effective treatment of secondary brain injury is an important part of reducing TBI disability, improving patient prognosis and improving quality of life. Astaxanthin (ATX) is a natural carotenoid with a variety of biological activities. Many studies have shown that ATX has a good effect on fighting acute and chronic damage of the central nervous system, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, improving perfusion, and protecting nerves. The protective mechanism and research progress of ATX on TBI are summarized as follows. Key words: Traumatic brain injury; Astaxanthin; Oxidative stress; Inflammatory reaction; Neuroprotection