虾青素(AST)是一种红色的膳食类胡萝卜素。它主要存在于水生动物和微藻中,如雨生红球藻(Haematococcus pluvialis)和小球藻(Chlorella zofingiensis)。;Astaxanthin (AST) is a red dietary carotenoid. It is mainly found in aquatic animals and microalgae, such as Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis.Astaxanthin is a potent carotenoid antioxidant found in marine algae, red yeast and many other plant and animal sources. Animal studies indicate that it reduces blood glucose and ameliorates several parameters of the diabetic metabolic syndrome. It improves blood flow and vascular tone in models of hypertension. In vitro studies indicate that it upregulates connexin 43 and thus, may be chemopreventive against cancer.