Effects of Dietary Spirulina on Vascular Reactivity

Abstract

There are several reports suggesting that Spirulina (Arthrospira) may have a beneficial effect in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Here we review the results of studies on the effects of dietary Spirulina on the vasomotor reactivity of aortic rings excised from either lean or obese Wistar rats. We also review preliminary results on the effects of Spirulina intake on plasma lipids and blood pressure in humans. The results of the former studies strongly suggest that Spirulina induces a tone-related increase in the synthesis/release of nitric oxide by the endothelium as well as an increase in the synthesis/release of a vasodilating cyclooxygenase-dependent metabolite of arachidonic acid and/or a decrease in the synthesis/release of a vasoconstricting eicosanoid by the endothelium. In humans, Spirulina maxima intake decreases blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations, especially triacylglycerols and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and indirectly modifies the total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol values.

Spirulina does not decrease muscle damage nor oxdidative stress in cycling athletes with adequate nutritional status

“…Many animal and human studies have provided possible beneficial effects of the Spirulina under several diseases such as arterial hypertension and dyslipidemias [10], cancer [7], leukemia and anemia caused by cadmium intoxication [22], and kidney damage [1]. Many of these benefits are due to its antioxidant activity, increase in the synthesis of endothelial nitric oxide and immunosuppressive potential of the Spirulina [4, 8,18,20].…”

Impact of Spirulina and Soya on Lipids, Electrolytes and Iron Status in Malnourished Children 6-59 Months in Côte D'Ivoire

“…Spirulina contribution would have favored the increase in the TG stored in adipose tissue which constitutes an easily mobilized energy reserve. The increase in TC in these same children at the end of the study could be attributed to spirulina which is recognized as a product that not only increases HDL cholesterol levels (qualified as "good cholesterol") but also decreases those of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") [18]. Along with spirulina, the using of soya fostered also the increasing of TG and TC levels in children because of its seeds which contain 17-22% of dry weight in lipids [19].…”

A Prominent Superfood: Spirulina platensis

“…In some studies, humans using S. platensis supplements showed lower results in cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein levels. All of these effects indirectly reduced both diastolic and systolic blood pressure and gave a protective effect on the cardiovascular system [51,[81][82][83]. In another study [84], researchers treated hyperlipidemia nephrotic syndrome with S. platensis by applying 1-g S. platensis per day for 2 months and observed whether S. platensis decreased essential fatty acids and cholesterol values or not.…”