The primary use for humans is as a food supplement. Research shows that, due to astaxanthin's potent antioxidant activity, it may be beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.[30] Some research supports the assumption that it may protect body tissues from oxidative and ultraviolet damage through its suppression of NF-κB activation.[31][32] In addition to the compound’s powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capabilities, evidence indicates that astaxanthin has the potential to modulate aging. Oxidative stress is believed to be a principal mechanism of aging so the enhancement of anti-oxidative protection and the inhibition of free radical production are biological pathways that may protect against oxidative damage, mitigating risk for age-associated disease and, perhaps, diminishing the rate of aging. The mechanism by which astaxanthin may be able to modulate aging is activation of the insulin signaling pathway, as well as upregulation of the FOXO3 gene.[33] A 2011 review highlights promising aging-related outcomes in astaxanthin-related clinical trials for model organisms, and in human