Storage stability of astaxanthin/hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin (HPCD) inclusion complex was evaluated
and which was compared with native astaxanthin. The storage stability of astaxanthin was enhanced
after included in HPCD under 4 ◦C and 25 ◦C storage conditions. Antioxidant activity of astaxanthin/HPCD
inclusion complex was also assayed using ascorbic acid as a control sample. The reducing power and
DPPH radical scavenging activity of native astaxanthin were lower than ascorbic acid, while which of the
complex were higher at low concentration for the good water solubility. The hydroxyl radical scavenging
activities of astaxanthin and astaxanthin/HPCD complex far outclassed that of ascorbic acid, and the
activity of the complex was a little lower than that of the native astaxanthin.