Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collecting xanthophylls, the method comprising an adsorption step of contacting a sample containing xanthophylls with a hydrophilic resin to allow the resin to adsorb the xanthophylls; and a desorption step of eluting the xanthophylls adsorbed to the resin with a polar solvent. Preferably, the method comprises a step of washing the resin between the adsorption step and the desorption step. As the resin, a hydrophilic, acrylic and/or methacrylic resin is preferably used.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for increasing the storage stability of astaxanthin in a green algal extract, and a green algal extract containing astaxanthin having high storage stability. The present invention provides a green algal extract comprising astaxanthin at a concentration of 0.5 to 20 wt % expressed in terms of free astaxanthin, and at least one phospholipid at a phospholipid concentration of 0.1 to 15 wt %. This green algal extract has an excellent ability to store stably astaxanthin, and even after storage for one week at 60° C. it is possible to retain approximately 80% or more of the astaxanthin.

Abstract: An agent for lowering neutral fat concentration in blood and a therapeutic agent for a disease to which neutral fat in blood is related, the agent containing astaxanthin and/or esters thereof. The agent for lowering neutral fat concentration in blood according to the present invention is useful for treating various diseases having an apparent relation to neutral fat in blood.