Hypoglycemic effect of astaxanthin from shrimp waste in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Hypoglycemic effect of astaxanthin obtained from shrimp waste was assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic and normal mice. Animals received oral administration of astaxanthin in dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg. The plasma glucose levels were examined and compared with that of metformin and gliclazide. Administration of astaxanthin (5 and 10 mg/kg) produced significantly fall on plasma glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic mice, while a slight fall in normal mice. In normal mice, postprandial hyperglycemia was significantly suppressed by oral administration of astaxanthin, which significantly lowered the postprandial area under curve. These results demonstrate that astaxanthin is effective in controlling hypoglycemia in animal model of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, astaxanthin can be a useful natural oral agent to treat diabetes.