Abstract
The algae spirulina has been considered for use as a supplementary protein. It is a blue green algae having strong antioxidant activity and provokes a free radical scavenging enzyme system. The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis can be used to produce single cell proteins (SPN), fatty acids (which can be used for bioenergy), food and feed supplements, and biofixation of CO2. SPN regulate gene expression and counteract oxidative stress. Its impact on communities and individuals is more dramatic in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is compounded by widespread poverty and generalized high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). SPN improve the nutritional status of malnourished HIV-infected patients and nutritional rehabilitation improves on immune status with a consequent drop in viral load. Spirulina can prevent the LPS induced decrease in NPC proliferation; probably spirulina protects by non-stem cell autonomous mechanisms. A diet enriched with spirulina and other nutraceuticals may help protect the stem/progenitor cells from insults. Spirulina maxima prevents fatty liver development induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). It is concluded that the use of spirulina should be encouraged in patients suffering from malnutrition, immuno-suppression, hepatic and neural compromise, etc. although further investigations on the antiviral effects of this alga and its clinical implications are strongly needed.
