Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial‐Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina

Abstract

The highly nutritional and ecofriendly Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive properties. Spirulina contains functional compounds, such as phenolics, phycocyanins, and polysaccharides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects. Studies conducted on Spirulina suggest that it is safe in healthy subjects, but attitude to eating probably affects the acceptability of Spirulina containing foods. Although the antioxidant effect of Spirulina is confirmed by the intervention studies, the concerted modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory responses, suggested by in vitro and animal studies, requires more confirmation in humans. Spirulina supplements seem to affect more effectively the innate immunity, promoting the activity of natural killer cells. The effects on cytokines and on lymphocytes' proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences. In this context, ageing and obesity are both associated with chronic low grade inflammation, immune impairment, and intestinal dysbiosis. Microbial-modulating activities have been reported in vitro, suggesting that the association of Spirulina and probiotics could represent a new strategy to improve the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota. Although Spirulina might represent a functional food with potential beneficial effects on human health, the human interventions used only supplements. Therefore, the effect of food containing Spirulina should be evaluated in the future.

Protective Effects of Dietary Spirulina platensis against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Gills of Rainbow Trout

“…An increase in the cellular antioxidant capacity and a decrease in MDA in fish treated with both cadmium and S. platensis can be attributed to -carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and manganese in S. platensis [13,15]. Moreover, the presence of phycocyanin in S. platensis can inhibit peroxyl radicals including lipid peroxidation [30], reduce the bioavailability of metals in the diet [15], and thus decrease cadmium toxicity.…”

Spirulina: An Emerging Treatment Modality for the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

“…1,2 Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is one such emerging remedy. 2 It is also termed as being a "functional food." 3,4 It is designated as being generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Association.…”

“…6 The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been largely recognized. 2 It has also been indicated for the removal of toxic elements like heavy metals. 2 Spirulina, the blue-green algae, was used as an anticancer agent and in treatment of radiation sickness in masses who suffered from the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl.…”

“…2 It has also been indicated for the removal of toxic elements like heavy metals. 2 Spirulina, the blue-green algae, was used as an anticancer agent and in treatment of radiation sickness in masses who suffered from the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl. [24][25][26][27] Spirulina due to its beta-carotene and micronutrient content is believed to have a chemopreventive effect.…”

Development of synbiotic weaning food supplemented with spirulina grown under precise/mild stress conditions

“…Spirulina can be considered safe in healthy subjects, even though sensory characteristics of a functional food are important as per consumer acceptance of the product (Finamore et al 2017). It was therefore, planned to carry out feasibility studies on the development of such a product, with sensory attributes forming the basis of the study.…”