<?xml version="1.1" encoding="utf-8"?>
<article xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation="http://jats.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/1.1/xsd/JATS-journalpublishing1-mathml3.xsd" dtd-version="1.1" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">JCNR</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>Journal of Clinical and Nursing Research</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn>2208-3685</issn><eissn>2208-3693</eissn><publisher><publisher-name>Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.26689/jcnr.v9i11.13004</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Article</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title>Research Progress on Astaxanthin in Exercise-Induced Fatigue</title><url>https://artdesignp.com/journal/JCNR/9/11/10.26689/jcnr.v9i11.13004</url><author>WenGuanyinliang</author><pub-date pub-type="publication-year"><year>2025</year></pub-date><volume>9</volume><issue>11</issue><history><date date-type="pub"><published-time>2025-12-10</published-time></date></history><abstract>Exercise-induced fatigue represents a complex physiological response triggered by physical exertion, with its mechanisms primarily originating from central and peripheral systems. Central fatigue arises from neurotransmitter imbalances such as elevated serotonin and reduced dopamine levels, leading to drowsiness and diminished motor performance. Peripheral fatigue occurs at the muscular level, where energy depletion, metabolic waste accumulation, and oxidative stress impair muscle contraction function. Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, directly and primarily alleviates peripheral fatigue through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial protective effects. Simultaneously, by improving the peripheral environment and reducing the transmission of fatigue signals to the brain, it indirectly helps alleviate central fatigue. Based on this, this paper reviews the mechanisms of action and related research progress of astaxanthin on exercise-induced fatigue, and discusses its application value and challenges based on the current status.</abstract><keywords/></article-meta></front><body/><back><ref-list><ref id="B1" content-type="article"><label>1</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zarneshan S, Fakhri S, Farzaei M, et al., 2020, Astaxanthin Targets PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Toward Potential Therapeutic Applications. Food Chem Toxicol, 145: 111714.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B2" content-type="article"><label>2</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Ambati R, Phang S, Ravi S, et al., 2014, Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications – A Review. Mar Drugs, 12(1): 128–152.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B3" content-type="article"><label>3</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Higuera-Ciapara I, Félix-Valenzuela L, Goycoolea F, et al., 2006, Astaxanthin: A Review of Its Chemistry and Applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 46: 185–196.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B4" content-type="article"><label>4</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Wu W, Li L, Xie X, et al., 2018, Development of Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion Using Response Surface Methodology. Food Industry Science and Technology, 39(10): 204–210.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B5" content-type="article"><label>5</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Yao K, Wang Y, Li J, et al., 2018, Study on the Antioxidant Activity of Astaxanthin with Different Stereochemical Configurations Against Lipid Peroxidation. Chinese Journal of Food Science, 38(12): 1–8.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B6" content-type="article"><label>6</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Wu L, Chen N, 2019, Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Research Progress on Its Regulation by Soybean Peptides. Food Science, 40(17): 302–308.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B7" content-type="article"><label>7</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Chen H, Ma X, Cao L, et al., 2020, Research Progress on Exercise Fatigue Mechanisms and Food-Derived Anti-Fatigue Active Ingredients. Food Science, 41(11): 247–258.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B8" content-type="article"><label>8</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhang X, Jing S, Lin H, et al., 2019, Anti-Fatigue Effect of Anwulignan via the NRF2 and PGC-1α Signaling Pathway in Mice. Food &amp; Function, 10(12): 7755–7766.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B9" content-type="article"><label>9</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Mason S, Morrison D, McConell G, et al., 2016, Muscle Redox Signaling Pathways in Exercise: Role of Antioxidants. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98: 29–45.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B10" content-type="article"><label>10</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Trinity J, Broxterman R, Richardson R, 2016, Regulation of Exercise Blood Flow: Role of Free Radicals. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98: 90–102.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B11" content-type="article"><label>11</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Villalain J, 2025, Location and Dynamics of Astaxanthin in the Membrane. Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, 270: 105512.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B12" content-type="article"><label>12</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Chen Z, Xiao J, Liu H, et al., 2020, Astaxanthin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Immune Impairment in D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Rats by Activating the Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway and Suppressing the NF-κB Pathway. Food &amp; Function, 11(9): 8099–8111.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B13" content-type="article"><label>13</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Peake J, Neubauer O, Della Gatta P, et al., 2017, Muscle Damage and Inflammation During Recovery from Exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 122(3): 559–570.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B14" content-type="article"><label>14</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Samarghandian S, Azimi-Nezhad M, Farkhondeh T, 2019, Thymoquinone-Induced Antitumor and Apoptosis in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells. J Cell Physiol, 234(7): 10421–10431.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B15" content-type="article"><label>15</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Choi S, Park Y, Choi D, et al., 2008, Effects of Astaxanthin on the Production of NO and the Expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-Stimulated BV2 Microglial Cells. J Microbiol Biotechnol, 18: 1990–1996.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B16" content-type="article"><label>16</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Park C, Xu F, Roh S, et al., 2015, Astaxanthin and Corni Fructus Protect Against Diabetes-Induced Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Advanced Glycation End Product in Livers of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. J Med Food, 18: 337–344.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B17" content-type="article"><label>17</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, et al., 2015, Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 783761.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B18" content-type="article"><label>18</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Rutkowska D, Torlińska T, 1994, Structure and Function of F0F1-ATPase in Procaryota and Eucaryota. Postepy Hig Med Dosw, 48(1): 91–104.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B19" content-type="article"><label>19</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Cao X, Xu D, Yang F, 2011, Protective Effects of Astaxanthin Against Oxidative Damage to Mitochondrial Membranes and Enzymes Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species. Environmental Pollution and Public Health Conference Proceedings.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B20" content-type="article"><label>20</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Brand M, 2016, Mitochondrial Generation of Superoxide and Hydrogen Peroxide as the Source of Mitochondrial Redox Signaling. Free Radic Biol Med, 100: 14–31.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B21" content-type="article"><label>21</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Peoples J, Saraf A, Ghazal N, et al., 2019, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Heart Disease. Exp Mol Med, 51: 1–13.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B22" content-type="article"><label>22</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Aoi W, Naito Y, Sakuma K, et al., 2003, Astaxanthin Limits Exercise-Induced Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Damage in Mice. Antioxid Redox Signal, 5: 139–144.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B23" content-type="article"><label>23</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Aoi W, Naito Y, Takanami Y, et al., 2008, Astaxanthin Improves Muscle Lipid Metabolism in Exercise via Inhibitory Effect of Oxidative CPT I Modification. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 366: 892–897.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B24" content-type="article"><label>24</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Brown D, Gough L, Deb S, et al., 2017, Astaxanthin in Exercise Metabolism, Performance and Recovery: A Review. Front Nutr, 4: 76.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B25" content-type="article"><label>25</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Djordjevic B, Baralic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, et al., 2012, Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Muscle Damage and Oxidative Stress Markers in Elite Young Soccer Players. J Sports Med Phys Fit, 52(4): 382–392.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B26" content-type="article"><label>26</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Res P, Cermak N, Stinkens R, et al., 2013, Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Augment Fat Use or Improve Endurance Performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 45(6): 1158–1165.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B27" content-type="article"><label>27</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Brown D, Warner A, Deb S, et al., 2021, The Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Performance and Fat Oxidation During a 40 km Cycling Time Trial. J Sci Med Sport, 24(1): 92–97.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref><ref id="B28" content-type="article"><label>28</label><element-citation publication-type="journal"><p>Zhang Z, Gao B, 2022, Mechanism of Hyperbaric Oxygen Combined with Astaxanthin Mediating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway to Improve Exercise Fatigue in Mice. Comput Intell Neurosci, 2022(1): 6444747.</p><pub-id pub-id-type="doi"/></element-citation></ref></ref-list></back></article>
