Spirulina Prevents Memory Dysfunction, Reduces Oxidative Stress Damage and Augments Antioxidant Activity in Senescence-Accelerated Mice

Abstract

Summary Spirulina has proven to be effective in treating certain cancers, hyperlipidemia, immunodeficiency, and inflammatory processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina on memory dysfunction, oxidative stress damage and antioxidant enzyme activity. Three-month-old male senescence-accelerated prone-8 (SAMP8) mice were randomly assigned to either a control group or to one of two experimental groups (one receiving daily dietary supplementation with 50 mg/kg BW and one with 200 mg/kg BW of Spirulina platensis water extract). Senescence-accelerated-resistant (SAMR1) mice were used as the external control. Results showed that the Spirulina -treated groups had better passive and avoidance scores than the control group. The amyloid ␤ -protein (A ␤ ) deposition was significantly reduced at the hippocampus and whole brain in both Spirulina groups. The levels of lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced at the hippocampus, striatum, and cortex in both Spirulina groups, while catalase activity was significantly higher only in the 200 mg/kg BW Spirulina group than in the control group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher only in the cortex of the 200 mg/kg group than in that of the SAMP8 control group. However, superoxide dismutase activity in all parts of the brain did not significantly differ among all groups. In conclusion, Spirulina platensis may prevent the loss of memory possibly by lessening A ␤ protein accumulation, reducing oxidative damage and mainly augmenting the catalase activity.

Spirulina platensis Enhances the Beneficial Effect of Exercise on Oxidative Stress and the Lipid Profile in Rats

“…Oxidative stress and dyslipidemia have been the focus of intensive studies given their importance in the aging process and its relation with disease development (Vaziri et al 2010;Hwang et al 2011). Oxidative stress predominates in the different pathophysiology, with the emphasis in the cerebral injury (Gomez-Pinilla 2011; Macedo et al 2014).…”

“…The brain accounts for only 2% of the body weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body oxygen, which increases the mitochondrial formation of ROS. The brain contains relatively high concentrations of readily peroxidizable lipids, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, representing one third of the brain fatty acids (Hwang et al 2011). As a result, lipid peroxidation is one of the major consequences of the free radical mediated injury to the brain (Hwang et al 2011;Zheng et al 2013).…”

“…The brain contains relatively high concentrations of readily peroxidizable lipids, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, representing one third of the brain fatty acids (Hwang et al 2011). As a result, lipid peroxidation is one of the major consequences of the free radical mediated injury to the brain (Hwang et al 2011;Zheng et al 2013). Different investigations have shown significant results in the use of Spirulina platensis against oxidative stress and dyslipidemias (BermejoBescós et al 2008;Hwang et al 2011;Farooq et al 2014).…”

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

“…7,8 It grows IJOCR an anticancer agent. 9,23 Research has highlighted its role in the control of various diseases caused due to oxidative stress. 23 Additionally, Spirulina due to its high iron content (580-1800 mg/kg) and lack of oxalates or phytates in algal structure, does not interfere with iron absorption.…”

“…14 It is probably the carotenoids and other antioxidants which are believed to contribute to the anticancer effect of Spirulina. 9 Based on the antioxidant effects, numerous studies were done on precancerous lesions to evaluate the effect of Spirulina. 14,34,35 Spirulina has been used for the treatment of several oral mucosal lesions with successful results.…”