Spirulina platensis

Arthrospira platensis

Spirulina(Arthrospira platensis) is an alga particularly rich in chlorophyll, a green pigment that is primarily responsible in the process of photosynthesis. Of particular interest is the antioxidant property of chlorophyll. Spirulina is also an important source of plant protein (up to 70%), carotenoids and minerals. Spirulina has a high content of vitamins, especially B12 and provitamin A (β-carotenes) minerals, especially iron.

It is also rich in phenolic acids, tocopherols and γ-linolenic acid. The main potentials of this alga are its antiviral, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiallergic and immunostimulant activities. A particularly interesting category of components in Spirulina is that of pigments, responsible for the characteristic color and called Phycobilins.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Khan, P. Bhadouria, P.S. BisenNutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina Curr Pharm Biotechnol, 6 (5) (2005), pp. 373-379

 El-Hindawy MM, Abd-Razic MA, Gaber HA, Zenhom MM. Effect of various levels of dietary algae. Scenedesmus spp on physiological performance and digestibility of Nile tilapia fingerlings. In: 1st scientific conference of the Egyptian aquaculture society. Sharm El-Sheikh - Sinai, Egypt; 2006; 

Hirahashi T, Matsumoto M, Hazeki K, Saeki Y, Ui M, Seya T. Activation of the human innate immune system by Spirulina: augmentation of interferon production and NK cytotoxicity by oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina platensis. International Immunopharmacology. 2002;2(4):423-434

Salazar M, Martínez E, Madrigal E, Ruiz LE, Chamorro GA. Subchronic toxicity study in mice fed Spirulina . Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1998;62(3):235-241.

Dillon JC, Phuc AP, Dubacq JP. Nutritional value of the Spirulina algae. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics. 1995; 77:32-46.

Baicus C, Baicus A. Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2007;21(6):570-573. [PubMed])