Potential application of Spirulinain dermatology

Abstract

Spirulinais an edible cyanobacterium known worldwide for its high nutritional value, and the interest in its biological activity and bioactive compounds, such as pigments, phenolics, peptides, and lipids, has been increasing. Due to the variety of its properties, the potential application of Spirulina in health is wide, including dermatological area. In a context of increasing demand for natural products and actives in cosmetics, this microorganism becomes a great source. This article aims to review what has already been reported in literature about the potential effects of Spirulina or its isolated compounds in skin, for either aesthetic or clinical purposes. In many studies, Spirulina and its components show a good influence in proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, extracellular matrix, and collagen production, as well as exerting antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory action. Thus, they promote a healthy environment for skin's cells and structure, cooperating for the highlighted anti‐aging, photoprotection, and wound‐healing effects. Some compounds of the cyanobacterium also exert a lighting property through tyrosinase inhibition. Its antimicrobial action can also be advantageous to skin contributing to anti‐acne, antibiofilm, and anti‐herpes effects. In face of many attributes and due to its rich composition, Spirulina presents multi‐benefits and shows an improvement in the general aspect of skin. However, some applications are still in need of studying and more clinical evidence is necessary.

Foliar Spray or Soil Drench: Microalgae Application Impacts on Soil Microbiology, Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses, Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chia Plants under Alkaline Stress

“…Microalgae can stimulate plant growth through atmospheric nitrogen fixation [ 50 ], increasing IAA, gibberellin, and cytokinin levels in plants [ 51 , 52 , 53 ]. Microalgae are used as biofertilizers because of their high content of bioactive components, including pigments (chlorophyll a, b, β-carotene, phycobilin, phycoerythrin, and xanthophyll), phenolics, peptides, and lipids [ 54 ], as well as high protein content and levels of micronutrients, polyamines, natural enzymes, carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins [ 55 ], all of which affect overall plant metabolism, synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and enzymatic activity, causing an improvement in plant growth and productivity. Furthermore, microalgae contributed to an increase in endogenous hormone content, which is responsible for branch development, postponing leaf senescence, and floral transition [ 56 ].…”

“…In this study, A. platensis was superior to microalgae as an application spray or drenching method . Arthrospira platensis is a species of photosynthetic cyanobacteria with a high nutritional content [ 106 ], and there has been a growing interest in its biological activity and bioactive components [ 54 ]. Furthermore, A. platensis showed effects similar to those of IAA and gibberellin, which stimulate root elongation and establishment as well as accelerate vegetative growth [ 53 , 107 ].…”

Emerging Applications of Chlorella sp. and Spirulina (Arthrospira) sp.

“…Bioactive compounds from Chlorella sp. and Spirulina ( Arthrospira ) sp., with their antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities, are valuable in cosmetics and skincare products for their anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing potential [ 59 , 60 ]. Carotenoids and peptides offer excellent UV protection in creams and sunscreens, while polysaccharides are ideal for moisturizing purposes, helping to maintain the skin’s water barrier and oil balance.…”

“…Depending on the type of wound, it is crucial to use appropriate dressing materials and structures that can maintain a moist environment at the wound site while simultaneously protecting it from contaminants. In recent years, both academic and industrial sectors have been making concerted efforts to develop a variety of wound dressings suitable for wound healing, specifically exploring the use of different microorganisms, such as microalgae, due to their beneficial bioactive compounds [ 59 , 60 , 103 , 105 , 106 ]. As mentioned in Section 3.3 , microalgae contain an extensive variety of bioactive compounds that can promote skin regeneration.…”

“…Because of the fact that the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors are primarily based on the bioactive compounds from Chlorella sp. or Spirulina ( Arthrospira ) sp., the main problems that these sectors face end up being the same, and they include [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 95 ]: (1) further research to identify and evaluate the most promising microalgae strains for producing bioactive compounds that are biologically equivalent to existing chemicals, as well as their mechanisms of action; (2) studies on the tracing of bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, trace elements, minerals and some secondary metabolites, that are few in the literature; (3) extensive clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of microalgae-derived products, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust; (4) extensive and comprehensive studies to identify the variations in potency and functionality among the major bioactive compounds and whether they have synergistic effects on the mitigation of various diseases; (5) an evaluation on the administration methods, dosage, and effectiveness of bioactive compounds extracted from microalgae; and (6) a large-scale extraction and purification of specific compounds to target particular effects, that must be oriented to “green” and economic technologies that need to be more explored. These challenges are the same as those encountered for the healing of bioactive compounds, which find greater application in health and medicine.…”