Spirulina: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of phycocyanin have been widely demonstrated. In vitro, the mechanism of action seems similar to that of coxibs, anti-inflammatory drugs directly targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (an enzyme responsible for inflammatory states). Phycocyanin also has antioxidant properties, which may play a role in inhibiting inflammatory reactions. In fact, some inflammatory tissue damage is mediated by reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxides, or hydrogen peroxide, which form at the site of inflammation and contribute to tissue damage in various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin results from a combination of non-enzymatic actions through its antioxidant properties and enzymatic actions by selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This specific action on COX-2 allows phycocyanin to treat inflammation without causing the side effects associated with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the results observed in vitro on COX-2 will need to be confirmed in vivo to evaluate the actual effectiveness of phycocyanin on inflammatory mechanisms.

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Immunomodulator

It is accepted that pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) are recognized by immune cell receptors via their fatty acid-composed lipid part. However, the study of spirulina's composition has revealed the presence of glycolipids such as palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. Therefore, it is possible that spirulina interacts with immune cells thanks to the glycolipids it contains. In vitro, an aqueous extract of spirulina has shown that it can modulate the secretion of cytokines (interleukin IL-1β, IL-4, and gamma interferon) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Spirulina has also enabled the induction of IL-12 production secreted by myeloid cells (monocytes). Spirulina would first act on monocytes by stimulating IL-12 production, which in turn would lead to the activation of gamma interferon production by natural killer cells. Furthermore, studies on rats have shown that spirulina and its components, such as phycocyanin, could affect immune functions by stimulating the proliferation or differentiation of immune cells in lymphoid organs.

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Antioxidant

Phycocyanin appears to be the main component responsible for the antioxidant activity of spirulina. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of bilirubin, a degradation product of hemoglobin recognized for its role as an important physiological antioxidant against reactive oxygen species. Research has compared the antioxidant capacity of phycocyanin to that of trolox, a soluble vitamin E analog, demonstrating significant activity on alkoxyl radicals. Additionally, studies show that phycocyanin possesses antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals, comparable to that of uric acid, a specific antioxidant of peroxyl radicals. Phycocyanin, whether natural or reduced, also shows protective action against lipid peroxidation, a process involved in various pathologies related to oxidative stress or chemical toxicity.

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Hypotensive

Spirulina contains a peptide, SP6, which promotes artery dilation and reduces blood pressure. In vitro studies show that C-phycocyanin decreases blood pressure in several ways: by acting as an antagonist of angiotensin II receptors, by increasing the bio-efficacy of nitric oxide (NO), a vasorelaxant substance, and by blocking NADPH oxidase, an enzyme involved in angiotensin II synthesis.

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Hepatoprotective

Phycocyanin, a component of spirulina, exerts a notable hepatoprotective effect. Thanks to its antioxidant power, it traps free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation. These properties reduce enzymatic losses in the liver, thus protecting liver cells from lysis and preserving liver health.

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Hypolipidemic

C-Phycocyanin, a compound of spirulina, inhibits cholesterol absorption at the jejunum and the reabsorption of bile acids at the ileum. It also inhibits the activity of pancreatic lipase, an essential enzyme for fat digestion. Additionally, spirulina plays a key role in preventing lipid peroxidation, a damaging oxidative process. It also stimulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase, which are crucial for eliminating free radicals. These combined actions contribute to better lipid metabolism and protection against oxidative stress.

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Chelator

Heavy metals are difficult to absorb and eliminate by the body. The process of chelation, where complexes are formed with metals to facilitate their elimination, is often insufficient, leading to the accumulation of these toxins. Spirulina is recognized as an effective natural chelator of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, mainly through its active components: phycocyanin, β-carotene, and flavonoids. These components facilitate the chelation of heavy metals and reduce liver inflammation, promoting the elimination of toxins, xenobiotics, as well as alcohol and tobacco residues. Several studies have highlighted the role of spirulina in the detoxification of heavy metals, notably arsenic and cadmium.

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Anticancer

Spirulina shows promising potential in cancer prevention. Studies have shown that phycocyanin, a component of spirulina, can activate apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. It acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), interfering with the arachidonic acid cascade, and promoting the release of cytochrome c, the cleavage of PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase), and the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, which are essential in apoptotic regulation. Additionally, spirulina polysaccharides increase the activity of endonucleases, DNA damage repair enzymes, thus contributing to cancer prevention.

Antiviral

An in vitro study showed that calcium spirulan, a polysaccharide from spirulina, inhibits the replication of several enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1, human cytomegalovirus, measles and mumps virus, influenza A virus, and HIV-1. The study indicates that pretreatment 3 hours before infection is more effective than treatment immediately after infection. This suggests that the polysaccharide acts at an early stage of viral replication, either during the adsorption or penetration phase. Thus, the antiviral action of calcium spirulan is primarily preventive. The ingestion of spirulina, and therefore of calcium spirulan, in case of possible contamination, could reduce the risk of infection and thus prevent the disease.

Hypoglycemic

The effect of spirulina on carbohydrate profile, fasting and postprandial blood sugar is mixed. Spirulina seems to improve glycemic control in the short term (fasting and postprandial blood sugar) and long term (HbA1c) and improve the lipid profile in diabetic patients. The mechanisms for lowering blood sugar levels remain unknown.

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Metabolic

Some clinical studies show slight reductions in body weight for obese or overweight individuals taking spirulina. Additionally, clinical research indicates spirulina might help reduce body fat mass in athletes losing weight for competitions. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear.

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