Current knowledge on potential health benefits of Spirulina

Abstract

Spirulina is a microscopic filamentous alga that is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and essential fatty acids like y-linolenic acid (GLA). It is produced commercially and sold as a food supplement in health food stores around the world. Up to very recently, the interest in Spirulina was mainly in its nutritive value. Currently, however, numerous people are looking into the possible therapeutic effects of Spirulina. Many pre-clinical studies and a few clinical studies suggest several therapeutic effects ranging from reduction of cholesterol and cancer to enhancing the immune system, increasing intestinal lactobacilli, reducing nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs and radiation protection. This paper presents a critical review of some published and unpublished data on therapeutic effects of Spirulina.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Spirulina platensis on Growth Performances and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbits

“…S. platensis has been approved as a health food by the World Health Organization (WHO) and it will become one of the most alternative treatments in the 21 st century [25,26] . Researchers have reported the effects of S. platensis on blood protein and lipid content [23,27,28] , and their antioxidant, antiviral and immunmodulator activities [24,29,30] in animals. According to some researchers, S. platensis and its extract may decrease the blood lipid values.…”

Antioxidant effect of phycocyanin on oxidative stress induced with monosodium glutamate in rats

“…Spirulina is legally authorized as a dietary supplement in Europe, Japan and United States by FDA (Food and Drug Administration), as it does not cause any toxic effects on the organism (Belay et al, 1993;Von Der Weid et al, 2000). In Brazil, ANVISA (National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance) allows its commercialization as long as the final product where the microorganism is be added is properly registered (Brasil, 2008).…”

Moisture sorption characteristics of microalgae Spirulina platensis

“…From the microalgae and cyanobacteria that have been used as foodstuffs, food supplements and animal feed in many parts of the world, Spirulina platensis is the most popular. Spirulina is nowadays produced commercially by several companies around the world, and the product is mainly sold as a food supplement and animal feed (Belay et al, 1993). Spirulina has 62% amino acid content and is the world's richest natural source of vitamin B 12 and contains a whole spectrum of natural mixed carotene and xanthophyll phytopigments.…”