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Effects of spirulina on immune system. Spirulina enhance rate of production of RBCs and WBCs by enhancing hematopoeisis. Spirulina also shows direct effect on both innate and specific immunity. Spirulina activate macrophage and NK cells. Spirulina induce production of the antibodies. Spirulina also activate of T-cells.
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Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients, having bio-modulatory and immuno-modulatory functions. Different Spirulina preparations influence immune system viz. increase phagocytic activity of macrophages, stimulating the production of...
Citations
... SP contains several bioactive elements, including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, that function as immunostimulants to boost immunity (Rosas et al., 2019). In addition, Spirulina boosts mucosal immunity by promoting the development of IgA and IgE antibodies and supporting healthy microbiota (Khan et al., 2005;Shokri et al., 2014). The detrimental impact of 300 (ppb) aflatoxin on the growth rate of birds and the weights of their lymphoid organs could potentially be reduced to some extent by adding spirulina at a concentration of 0.05 % (Raju et al., 2004). ...
... Protein content varies in pumpkin seeds (24 %), spirulina (45 %), SCG (12-17 %), and black seeds (20-22 %). Spirulina, a microalga, offers antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties (Khan et al., 2005). Films from algae commonly use GRAS-certified alginate and carrageenan (Benelhadj et al., 2016). ...
In the era of biodegradable packaging, protein-based biopolymers have emerged as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers due to their unique properties. Despite significant advances in this field, a comprehensive analysis of recent technological innovations with commercial viability assessments remains lacking. This review addressed this gap by systematically examining recent lab development in plant protein-based packaging, including sources, fabrication methods, real-time applications, commercial challenges, and their relationship to food packaging applications. Through analysis of recent studies, 2020–2025, we identify recent research trends that have focused on enhancing the properties of biodegradable polymers by incorporating antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antifungal agents, thereby creating active systems to prolong the shelf life of foods. Furthermore, our critical evaluation of advancements in fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, electrospinning, co-polymerization, casting, molding, extrusion, and coating has enabled the production of protein-based packaging with diverse shapes and properties. This review uniquely bridges the gap between laboratory innovations and commercial applications by examining current trends in sources, functions, applications, and future commercial challenges associated with plant protein-based packaging. By understanding the potential of these biopolymers, we can contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions within the food industries, offering a roadmap for both researchers and industry stakeholders.
... Non-polar cyanobacterial extracts exhibit not only antioxidant activity but also other biological effects. Studies have shown that these extracts may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytoprotective properties [58,59]. For example, extracts from Anabaena flos-aquae show cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress, making them potential candidates for biotechnological applications [60]. ...
Cyanobacterial extracts offer significant potential for the development of new natural antioxidants and biologically active compounds with applications in various industries. Data on the genus Tolypothrix are limited; therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts prepared from strains of this genus. Cytotoxicity and anticancer activity were evaluated by in vitro tests with four cell lines using the MTT assay. The assessment of antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH and ABTS methods in combination with the calculation of the total phenolic content. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using the LPS-stimulated macrophage model (RAW264.7) and subsequent measurement of the levels of secreted cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The lipid content and fatty acid composition of the non-polar extracts were determined by gas chromatography (GC). To elucidate the mechanism of cytotoxicity/anticancer action of the non-polar extracts, the effects of stearidonic acid, which was detected in four of the studied cyanobacterial strains, were additionally tested on the same cell lines. A molecular docking analysis was performed simulating the interaction between stearidonic acid and its target molecules and receptors (ALOX5, COX-2, NF-kB and PPAR-γ). In all cancer cell lines (but not in the normal one), dose-dependent cytotoxic effects were observed after exposure to different concentrations of non-polar Tolypothrix extracts. The most pronounced inhibitory effect was observed on the HT-29 cell line, with an IC50 value of 106.27 µg/mL. A dose-dependent antioxidant effect was established for all tested extracts, measured by both DPPH and ABTS methods. All non-polar extracts reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, and the effects were dose-dependent. Analysis of the fatty acid composition revealed 26 different fatty acids. Our conclusion is that the Tolypothrix strains exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity and could be a promising source for the production of natural products.
... Another promising dietary supplement is spirulina, a protein-rich microalga known for its high content of essential amino acids, bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals [15]. Spirulina contains between 51-70% protein by dry weight, making it an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources [16]. Numerous studies have demonstrated its benefits, including improvements in body composition, endurance, strength, and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage [17,18]. ...
... However, some studies have found limited benefits of spirulina supplementation on performance metrics such as sprint speed and vertical jump height [20]. Moreover, spirulina's plant-based proteins are less bioavailable than their animal-derived counterparts, creating potential absorption barriers that may limit their efficacy for muscle recovery and protein synthesis [16]. Interestingly, probiotics have been shown to enhance amino acid absorption from plant-based proteins, increasing their functional value in supporting muscle metabolism and adaptation [17,21]. ...
Nutritional strategies are critical for optimizing soccer players' performance and body composition. Spirulina, a protein-rich plant-based supplement, and probiotics offer individual benefits. However, their combined effects remain underexplored. This study investigated the effects of co-supplementation with spirulina and probiotics on body composition, isokinetic, isometric strength, and performance metrics in male soccer players. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, forty soccer players were randomly assigned to four groups: placebo (PLA), probiotics (PRO), spirulina (SPI), and combined probiotics-spirulina (PRO + SPI). The PRO group received two probiotic capsules (a total dose of 4.5 × 1011 CFU) daily, with breakfast and dinner. The SPI group consumed two 1-g spirulina tablets twice daily (2 g total), with breakfast and dinner. The PRO + SPI group received both supplements in the same dosing regimen, while the PLA group consumed starch-based placebo capsules. Over eight weeks, participants followed identical training regimens. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition (weight, BMI, fat percentage, fat weight, muscle weight), performance metrics (vertical jump, agility, speed, anaerobic sprint tests), and isokinetic and isometric knee strength tests. Statistical analyses utilized repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The PRO + SPI group demonstrated more significant reductions in weight (P = 0.012) and fat weight (P = 0.001) compared to the PLA group, while the SPI group showed a significant reduction in fat percentage (P = 0.034). Agility scores improved significantly in the PRO + SPI group compared to the PLA (P = 0.001) and SPI (P = 0.004) groups. Isokinetic performance metrics, including average power during knee extension at 60°/s and 180°/s, improved significantly in the PRO + SPI group compared to the PLA group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.009, respectively). Similarly, the PRO and SPI groups outperformed the PLA group in isokinetic measures such as absolute peak torque at 60°/s (P = 0.032) and 180°/s (P = 0.006). Also, maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) improved significantly in the PRO and SPI groups compared to the PLA group (P = 0.001 for both). From gut to skeletal muscle, spirulina, and probiotic co-supplementation significantly enhanced body composition, reduced weight and fat mass, and improved agility and isokinetic strength compared to placebo or individual supplementation. These results emphasize the synergistic potential of this nutritional strategy for optimizing athletic performance and recovery, warranting further investigation across diverse athletic populations.
... In line with this, serum metabolomic analysis can offer an association study of metabolic patterns and marker metabolites and, therefore, reflect the body's functioning state and create a bio-evaluation system for medication effectiveness, opening the door for the creation of new therapeutic alternatives (Zhang et al. 2012). While S. platensis has been increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases (Khan et al. 2005), its specific efficacy in RA and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. ...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease primarily manifested by insistent proliferative synovitis, joint degradation, and bone erosions with no targeted therapy yet. Spirulina platensis serves as a treasure house of bioactive compounds with potential significance against different inflammatory ailments. Inspired by the potentiating biological attributes of S. platensis, the current investigation is concerned with dissecting the mechanistic basis of S. platensis against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a series of biochemical and histopathological assessments integrated with a serum metabolomics strategy to explore more efficacious and safe alternative therapies to rectify RA. Firstly, a rat model of RA was established using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), and RA-related biochemical and histopathological scores were determined as monitoring indexes for control efficiency of S. platensis against RA. Serum metabolomics was adopted to profile the potential biomarkers and their corresponding metabolic pathways modulated by Spirulina through UPLC-MS/MS analysis integrated with chemometrics and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 pathway analysis. The results demonstrated that Spirulina exerted significantly modulatory effects in the CFA model by reducing systemic manifestations of oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired liver and kidney functions typically exemplified by catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), rheumatoid factor (RF), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea. Histopathological investigations have revealed that Spirulina intervention causes moderately lower inflammatory cells infiltrations, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage destruction. Regarding serum metabolomics, Spirulina could remarkably reverse disordered RA-associated metabolites, namely glutamic acid, arachidonic acid, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, (20:4/18:0) phosphatidylcholine, and citric acid, to a normal-like state through modulating arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and citrate cycle pathways putatively implicated in inflammation and joint damage. Our findings provide compelling evidence that S. platensis possesses a broad spectrum of mechanisms to restore the disrupted homeostasis in RA by multi-targeted, synergistic actions.
Graphical abstract
... Scientific name: Arthrospira Family: Microcoleaceae Order: Oscillatoriales Higher classification: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Kingdom: Bacteria Genus: Arthrospira Arthrospira, commonly referred to as Spirulina, is a filamentous, photosynthetic cyanobacterium known for its high protein content (up to 70% of its dry weight), abundance of antioxidants, and a wide range of essential nutrients. It thrives in alkaline water environments and is widely used as a superfood due to its exceptional nutritional profile and health-promoting properties (Habib et al., 2008;Khan et al., 2005). Under microscopic observation, Spirulina appears as multicellular, unbranched, helicoidal filaments with cylindrical cells arranged in trichomes. ...
... Especially, the bright blue polypeptide pigment C-phycocyanin appears to be linked to metallo-protective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities (Liu et al. 2022;Maddiboyina et al. 2023). Spirulina protein content ranges between 60% and 70% dry weight, and C-phycocyanin is the major protein component (Khan et al. 2005). Furthermore, since these proteins contain all the essential amino acids, they are considered high-quality proteins (Khan et al. 2005). ...
... Spirulina protein content ranges between 60% and 70% dry weight, and C-phycocyanin is the major protein component (Khan et al. 2005). Furthermore, since these proteins contain all the essential amino acids, they are considered high-quality proteins (Khan et al. 2005). Carbohydrates and lipids represent 15%-20% and 5%-10%, respectively, of its dry weight. ...
... The latter are a good source of essential fatty acids like -linolenic and cis-linoleic acids (Quoc et al. 1994). Importantly, spirulina also retains vitamin B12's high content, generally stored in meat, and beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, as well as important levels of iron, calcium and phosphorous (Khan et al. 2005). However, there is much variation in the overall percentage of added spirulina powder in functional food. ...
Cereal bars represent a fast source of nutrients and energy, instrumental in enlarging the functional foods market. Among the different bioactive components, Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) has gained great interest for application in functional food, thanks to its pigment phycocyanin, a high‐value protein, with antioxidant properties. The bar's nutritional composition was planned to produce enriched fruit cereal bars with an increased protein content of up to 10%, with a 2% spirulina addition. Bars were prepared by mixing sugars, honey, puffed wheat, and dried fruits (candied orange and lemon, peanuts, and almonds) at 130°C. Finally, different concentrations of spirulina powder (0.2%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) were added by mixing with heating off. Sensory evaluation was conducted by a trained panel on the enriched bars at three different spirulina concentrations. Tests included Descriptive Analysis (DA), Check‐All‐That‐Apply questionnaire (CATA), and Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). Sensory analysis indicated that olfactory and flavor notes were essentially red fruits, raisins, and toasted and spicy odor at all spirulina concentrations, without any trace of off‐odors or ‐flavors. In the 0.2% spirulina bar the attribute “citrus” was dominant during the whole taste analysis, while 1% and 2% bars showed the dominance of “red and dried fruit” flavors. Enriched fruit cereal bars with spirulina up to 2% showed increased levels of a high‐value protein, without inducing undesirable changes in sensory parameters. These are encouraging data for successful spirulina‐supplemented functional foods production.
... The aim of the present study was to investigate PoSP, a blue-green alga of the Phormidiaceae family that is often used because of its rich nutritional constituents. Valuable proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, β-carotene, minerals, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides and glycolipids are present in this alga [10]. Many studies had reported biological properties, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antineoplastic, lipid-lowering, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic and radioprotective effects [11]. ...
Background Damage to normal cells is the most common limitation of cancer chemotherapy. Cyclophosphamide, one of the most widely used anticancer drugs due to its cytotoxicity, can bind to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), causing chromosomal breaks, micronuclei, and cell death. The use of natural sources helps to prevent this damage, and Spirulina platensis is highly appreciated for its numerous bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the antigenotoxic effects of Spirulina platensis powder (PoSP) on mouse bone marrow cells in vivo via a micronucleus assay. Results Compared to the positive control, the administration of powder significantly reduced the PCE/PCE + NCE (polychromatic erythrocytes, normochromatic erythrocytes) ratio in treated mice. A significant increase in the percentage of MnPCE (micronucleus in polychromatic erythrocytes) in cyclophosphamide-treated bone marrow cells was observed. Compared with the positive controls, the groups treated with different doses in combination with cyclophosphamide presented a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in MnPCE in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the positive control, PoSP significantly decreased MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the livers of treated animals. The same things were observed in the kidneys and spleen. The catalase activity was also significantly increased in tissues, compared to negative control. Conclusions These findings suggest that PoSP does not cause DNA damage and can prevent genotoxicity, probably through its antioxidant activities.
... The aim of the present study was to investigate PoSP, a blue-green alga of the Phormidiaceae family that is often used because of its rich nutritional constituents. Valuable proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, β-carotene, minerals, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides and glycolipids are present in this alga [10]. Many studies had reported biological properties, such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antineoplastic, lipid-lowering, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic and radioprotective effects [11]. ...
Background
Damage to normal cells is the most common limitation of cancer chemotherapy. Cyclophosphamide, one of the most widely used anticancer drugs due to its cytotoxicity, can bind to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), causing chromosomal breaks, micronuclei, and cell death. The use of natural sources helps to prevent this damage, and Spirulina platensis is highly appreciated for its numerous bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the antigenotoxic effects of Spirulina platensis powder (PoSP) on mouse bone marrow cells in vivo via a micronucleus assay.
Results
Compared to the positive control, the administration of powder significantly reduced the PCE/PCE + NCE (polychromatic erythrocytes, normochromatic erythrocytes) ratio in treated mice. A significant increase in the percentage of MnPCE (micronucleus in polychromatic erythrocytes) in cyclophosphamide-treated bone marrow cells was observed. Compared with the positive controls, the groups treated with different doses in combination with cyclophosphamide presented a significant (p<0.0001) decrease in MnPCE in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to the positive control, PoSP significantly decreased MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the livers of treated animals. The same things were observed in the kidneys and spleen. The catalase activity was also significantly increased in tissues, compared to negative control.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that PoSP does not cause DNA damage and can prevent genotoxicity, probably through its antioxidant activities.
... Studies on animal models documented that phycocyanin of Spirulina induces the expression of bcl-2 in haematopoietic cells that may inhibit apoptosis. There is also evidence that c-phycocyanin and polysaccharides of Spirulina enhance white blood cell production 16 . It plays a role in improves immune system efficiency, as well as playing an important part in stimulation of the erythropoiesis 17 . ...
The current investigation was conducted to assess the anti-osteoporotic potential of microalgal Spirulina protein fortified with leaf powder of Moringa and Finger millet (MSMF) in female Wistar rat model of Methylprednisolone induced osteoporosis. The study included six groups of six rats each. Group I (normal control) rats, received distilled water orally daily for seven weeks, Group II (disease control) to VI rats received Methylprednisolone @ 40 mg/kg bw subcutaneously thrice a week for six weeks from 2nd to 7th week of the experimental period. Additionally, Group III (reference control) rats received Alendronate at 40 µg/kg body weight subcutaneously three times a week for the same duration. Group IV, V and VI rats received MSMF @ 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw respectively, daily orally for seven weeks, along with Methylprednisolone. Group II rats showed significant decrease in feed intake, body weight, femur weight, haemato-biochemical parameters, radiological and histopathological parameters of the femur. The changes caused by Methylprednisolone were alleviated in Alendronate group and MSMF treatment groups in a dose dependent manner. Histopathologically, the MSMF treatment groups showed substantial improvement in trabecular thickness, cortex thickness, osteocyte number, reduction in resorption cavities and erosion of cartilage. The anti-osteoporotic efficacy of MSMF @ 500 mg/kg was lower than that of Alendronate, while the MSMF @ 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg bw showed better efficacy than MSMF @ 500 mg/kg and equivalent to the effects of Alendronate.
