Demirel, P.B.Tuna, B.G.2024-07-122024-07-1220219.78013E+1210.1016/B978-0-12-823304-7.00003-92-s2.0-85113575544https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823304-7.00003-9https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12415/7301Astaxanthin (ATX) is a lipid-soluble xanthophyll carotenoid naturally found in a variety of microorganisms, such as yeast and microalgae, and marine animals including shrimp, salmon, lobster, and clamp. ATX is the most powerful antioxidant among carotenoids mainly due to its unique molecular structure and interaction with the cell membrane. Several studies conducted in in vitro and in vivo models revealed the beneficial health effects of ATX mostly attributed to its outstanding antioxidant activity. ATX has been reported to have important biological activities against a number of pathophysiological conditions including inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and aging. Significant anticancer activities have also been reported for ATX in various types of cancer including breast, colon, oral, lung, bladder, gastric, esophageal as well as melanoma, leukemia, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This chapter focuses on the potential mechanisms of cancer preventive effects of ATX, inhibitory effects of ATX on the processes involved in malignant transformation, and the use of ATX in combination with anticancer drugs. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessAnticancer PropertiesAntiinflammatory ActivityAntioxidant ActivityApoptosisAstaxanthinCombination Cancer TreatmentImmunomodulatory ActivityInvasionMetastasisProliferationBook Chapter445N/A427