Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Consumption on Brain Health

Abstract

Spirulina is a microscopic, filamentous cyanobacterium that grows in alkaline water bodies. It is extensively utilized as a nutraceutical food supplement all over the world due to its high levels of functional compounds, such as phycocyanins, phenols and polysaccharides, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating properties both in vivo and in vitro. Several scientific publications have suggested its positive effects in various pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, hypertension, tumors and inflammatory diseases. Lately, different studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective role of Spirulina on the development of the neural system, senility and a number of pathological conditions, including neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the role of Spirulina in the brain, highlighting how it exerts its beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, acting on glial cell activation, and in the prevention and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis; due to these properties, Spirulina could be considered a potential natural drug.

Histological study on the beneficial effect of Spirulina for aorta from damage induced by D-galactose

“…Endothelin-1 was found to be significantly lower in Spirulinal group GIII than in Spirulinal group GII, as shown in the same table. The study's findings are in agreement with my own findings (Trotta et al .,2022). These goods, including Spirulinal, are anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory/antitumor, and they also improve immunity and protect organs from harm.…”

Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review

“…In addition, it can modulate the immune system and the bioactivity of macrophages by activating T and B cells, promoting the production of antibodies and cytokines, increasing the concentration of NK cells in tissues, and encouraging the generation of antibodies [ 84 ]. Spirulina is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which are able to not only support and develop physiological functions of the nervous system and brain, as well as compensate for nutritional deficiencies, but also promote a beneficial immune response [ 5 ]. Several studies have also demonstrated the positive effects of spirulina, including the immunological and antioxidant effects that are attributable to its carbohydrate content, particularly polysaccharides.…”

“…In addition to bolstering the immune system, the presence of these compounds is associated with a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, in particular. Spirulina is regarded as a natural medicine and is utilized in the manufacturing of functional foods and nutritional supplements all over the world due to the qualities that have been described [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Phylogenetic analysis of Arthrospira strains from Ordos based on 16S rRNA

“…Living in tropical and subtropical warm lakes with a high carbonate and bicarbonate content, and high pH and salinity 2 , Arthrospira is rich in proteins, minerals, vitamin B 12 , β-carotene, and essential fatty acids, such as γ-linolenic acid which can inhibit bacteria and virus, regulate the immune function, and can prevent diseases like hypertension, diabetes and tumor, etc. 3 . Thanks to its high protein content of up to approximately 60–70% on a dry weight, the amino acids present in Arthrospira match the proportions recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 4 .…”