Application of Arthrospira platensis for Medicinal Purposes and the Food Industry: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium of the class Cyanophyceae and is the most cultivated photosynthetic prokaryote. It is used in the pharmaceutical sector, medicine and the food industry. It has a rich micro- and macro-element composition, containing proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and raw fibers. It is a commonly used ingredient in food products and nutritional supplements. The wide range of biologically active components determines its diverse pharmacological properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, antiviral, etc.). This review summarizes research related to the taxonomy, distribution and chemical composition of Arthrospira platensis as well as its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Attention is drawn to its various medical applications as an antidiabetic and antiobesity agent, with hepatoprotective, antitumor, antimicrobial and antiviral effects as well as regulatory effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

CyanoCyc cyanobacterial web portal

“…Potential candidates include: Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, a model nitrogen-fixing, heterocyst-containing strain ( Zeng and Zhang, 2022 ); Microcystis aeruginosa , which forms harmful algal blooms ( Harke et al, 2016 ); Arthrospira platensis , commercially cultivated for its nutritional value as the food product Spirulina ( Gentscheva et al, 2023 ); and Gloeocapsa biformis , which causes streaks and stains on monuments and buildings ( Macedo et al, 2009 ).…”

The chemistry and bioactive properties behind microalgae‐enriched gluten‐free breads

“…The different metabolic pathways of microalgae species have been shown to produce pyridine derivatives. For instance, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) have been shown to produce pyridoxine, which is a vitamin B6 compound that contains a pyridine ring, important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, and also plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen (Gentscheva et al ., 2023).…”

“…Microalgae are known to produce a wide variety of volatile alcohols, including ethanol, propanol, butanol and hexanol, as part of their metabolic processes (Achyuthan et al ., 2017). These alcohols are typically produced through the fermentation of sugars and other organic compounds and can accumulate in microalgal cultures under certain conditions, such as nutrient limitation or high cell densities (Gentscheva et al ., 2023). Volatile aldehydes and ketones are typically produced as by‐products of lipid metabolism or as part of the response to environmental stress (Hosoglu, 2018).…”

Spirulina platensis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds: Health implications and applications in the food industry

“…tricornutum, both microalgae can be used in aquaculture as feed for fish and shrimp (Gentscheva et al, 2023). They provide essential nutrients and can improve the nutritional profile of farmed seafood (Mayer et al, 2019).…”