Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis Prevents Oxidative Stress on Human Endothelial Cells without Toxicity.

Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, is a good candidate for the prevention of intracellular oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to compare the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin present in two natural extracts from Haematococcus pluvialis, a microalgae strain, with that of synthetic astaxanthin. Natural extracts were obtained either by solvent or supercritical extraction methods.

Anti-proliferative and antitumoral activities of a functionalized dextran (CMDBJ) on the 1205 L-U human tumor melanoma cells.

Carboxy methyl dextran benzylamide jorge (CMDBJ) is a derivatized dextran prepared from native dextran after random carboxymethylation of hydroxyl groups on D-glucose units (CM) and consecutive conversion of some carboxylate groups to benzylamide structures (B). This polymer exhibits an inhibitory action upon the proliferation of 1205 L-U human melanoma cells. At low concentrations, this compound exerts a cytostatic effect whereas, at higher concentrations, a cytotoxicity appears within 24 hours of treatment.