Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer withspirulina fusiformis

Abstract

The blue-green microalgae Spirulina, used in daily diets of natives in Africa and America, have been found to be a rich natural source of proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. Experimental studies in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of Spirulina algae on oral carcinogenesis. Studies among preschool children in India have demonstrated Spirulina fusiformis (SF) to be an effective source of dietary vitamin A. We evaluated the chemopreventive activity of SF (1 g/day for 12 mos) in reversing oral leukoplakia in pan tobacco chewers in Kerala, India. Complete regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) evaluable subjects supplemented with SF, as opposed to 3 of 43 (7%) in the placebo arm (p < 0.0001). When stratified by type of leukoplakia, the response was more pronounced in homogeneous lesions: complete regression was seen in 16 of 28 (57%) subjects with homogeneous leukoplakia, 2 of 8 with erythroplakia, 2 of 4 with verrucous leukoplakia, and 0 of 4 with ulcerated and nodular lesions. Within one year of discontinuing supplements, 9 of 20 (45%) complete responders with SF developed recurrent lesions. Supplementation with SF did not result in increased serum concentration of retinol or beta-carotene, nor was it associated with toxicity. This is the first human study evaluating the chemopreventive potential of SF. More studies in different settings and different populations are needed for further evaluation.

Oral cancer in the UK: to screen or not to screen

“…Retinoids [85±87], b-carotene [88], vitamin E [89] and Spirulina fusiformis [90] have been shown to produce regression of oral leukoplakia, but the lesions recur soon after stopping the administration of the chemopreventive agents.…”

Effects of spirulina on the number of ovary mast cells in lead‐induced toxicity in rats

“…It is characterized by 70% protein content and the presence of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids (Mosulishvili et al, 2004), carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, sterols and blue pigments (phytocyanins), which contribute to increasing the protein and iron availability, and a low content of cholesterol and lipids (Jassby, 1983). Spirulina platensis acts as an immunostimulator (Mosulishvili et al, 2004) and has demonstrated anticarcinogenic (Mathew et al, 1995;Mishima et al, 1998) and antiviral effects (Ayehunie et al, 1998). In addition, certain Spirulina subspecies affect the immune system by enhancing phagocytic activity in macrophages (Jassby, 1988) and inhibiting allergic reactions in rodents (Hayashi et al, 1998).…”

Efficacy of Spirulina (Tahlab) in Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Ziabetus Shakri) - A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Currently, Spirulina (a single cell filamentous algae, richest source of protein, nature best food) is documented as; antioxidant & immunomodulator [14], hepatoprotective [15], nutraceutical [16], nephroprotective [17] neuroprotective [18], cardioprotective [19], anticarcinogenic [20], anti dyslipdeamic and anti hyperglycaemic activity [21]. Another study reported that insulin like protein is found in Spirulina [22].…”