Dunaliella salina extract- β-carotene

What is Dunaliella salina ?

Dunaliella salina are found in high salinity environments such as salted brines, salt evaporation ponds, and hypersaline lakes. The ability to tolerate high salt concentrations is advantageous, since competition is minimal as salt high salt concentrations. Dunaliella salina was thought to be responsible for the red colouring of salted brines . However, carotenoids responsible for the red colouration in D. salina are found in algal chloroplasts, whereas halophilic archaea also occupying hypersaline lakes have red pigments dispersed throughout the cell membrane. Although there is a much greater abundance of D. salina, the red pigments on the cell membrane of archaea are more visibly accessible. Therefore, D. salina has a much less overall impact to colouration and archaeal communities contribute more to the red colouration of hypersaline lakes.

Source of Dunaliella

Dunaliella Salina is the best source in nature of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and lycopene. Dunaliella is a unique unicellular species of algae harvested from the Dead Sea containing rich concentrations of carotenoids (mainly Beta-Carotene), antioxidants and essential vitamins. Carotenoids provide fruits and vegetables their distinctive colors, odors and tastes. Presently, approximately 500 different carotenoids have been identified. Research investigations have found that each carotenoids may have unique benefits. Dunaliella Salina is a rich source of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and lycopene. Beta Carotene is converted into essential Vitamin A (one molecule of Beta-Carotene gives rise to two molecules of Vitamin A) and it is synthesised by the human body only up to the level needed, therefore always assuring the proper level of this essential antioxidant with no side effects on liver or other organs (contrary to traditional Vitamin A- palmytate). Beta Carotene is also itself an antioxidant and helps support a healthy immune system and maintain healthy skin and eyes.

Dunaliella salina health benefits

Beta Carotene is also itself an antioxidant and helps support a healthy immune system and maintain healthy skin and eyes. 

The antioxidants work to protect the body from harmful oxygen radicals and peroxides by reacting with these chemicals to neutralize their destructive effect on cells and tissues. 
This breakdown that antioxidants seek to correct is referred to as “oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress can lead to serious health conditions, as well as loss of skin elasticity and wrinkling.

Dunaliella’s survival ability and its benefits to humans have been topics of many interesting studies over the years.

Dunaliella algae have no cell wall, but due to their unique metabolism they can live in high concentrations of saturated brine, such as in the waters of the Dead Sea. To survive such environments, the organism must be a part of the salt production process. Dunaliella Salina is a photosynthetic cell requiring sunlight to live; it is highly tolerant of UV radiation due to the photo-protective characteristics of the carotenes it contains. Aside from being a very important photo protector against UV radiation, it also reinforces the immune system by improving the body defenses, and slowing down aging and cell degradation viaits effects on free radicals. 

Research has proven that consumption of the Dunaliella Salina algae is effective in prevention of some forms of cancer. 
Several clinical studies (Nishino, Hayoku – Japan) have revealed a correlation between the incidence of cancer and low levels of Beta-Carotene in the blood (isomers cis-Beta-Carotene and alpha-Carotene: almost uniquely present in Dunaliella Salina microalgae).
In this way the consumption of products containing Dunaliella Salina may help to prevent certain types of cancer such as cerebral tumors, leukemia, skin cancer, liver and stomach cancers, etc (Nishino, Hayoku – Japan). 
Similarly, North American investigators (Dr. Meysken et al) expect that natural Beta-Carotene will become a pharmaceutical and food base of first level importance in future prevention and healing of cancer.
Other studies which have recently been carried out in wide population areas show significant improvements among patients suffering of oesophagus, lung and stomach cancers, asthma, throat inflammations, leukemia, intestinal and stomach ulcers, with simultaneous improvement of appetite and sleep. Natural Beta-Carotene prevents the decrease of white blood cells and platelets due to ionic radiation, thus proving to be protective against nuclear radiation.