The Microalga Spirulina platensis Presents Anti-inflammatory Action as well as Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Properties in Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Spirulina platensis (Spi) is a microalga presenting high contents of proteins, γ-linolenic acid, vitamins and minerals, and showing many biological activities. It is a promising drug for the treatment of diseases including diabetes. The objectives of this work were to study Spi effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and associate this to its anti-inflammatory activity. The treatment with Spi (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) started 48 h after the alloxan injection, continuing for 5 or 10 days. Biochemical parameters were measured in sera of treated and untreated animals. The anti-inflammatory activity of Spi was assessed by the formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Immunostainings for TNF-alpha were carried out in the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, before and after the Spi treatment, and its effect on the release of myeloperoxidase from human neutrophils was also determined. Spi decreased glycemia as well as triglyceride and total cholesterol levels of diabetic rats. Levels of urea and creatinine were also reduced, while liver transaminases were unaltered. Spi also decreased dose-dependently the 1st (neurogenic) and mainly the 2nd phase (inflammatory) of the formalin test, as well as the carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Spi was further confirmed by decreases in TNF-alpha immunostaining in the inflamed paw and in the myeloperoxidase release from human neutrophils. The results showed that the anti-diabetic effect of S. platensis is already manifested after a 5-day treatment. Additionally, considering the relationship between diabetes and inflammation, the microalga anti-inflammatory action may also be involved.

<i>Spirulina platensis</i> Alleviates the Liver, Brain and Heart Oxidative Stress in Type 1 Diabetic Rats

“…Previous studies from our group in Brazil showed that the oral administration of SPI for 5 or 10 days, at the doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, significantly reduced glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels in alloxan induced diabetic rats [5]. Other groups have shown that SPI exhibited hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities through the lowering of blood glucose levels, regulating cholesterol and triglyceride and improving insulin resistance in Figure 5.…”

“…The anti-inflammatory effect of SPI was further confirmed by a decrease in TNFα immunostaining in the inflamed paw and in the myeloperoxidase release from human neutrophils [5].…”

“…In this experiment the intermidate dose of SPI 50 mg/kg/day was used (based on preliminary studies done by our partner group in Brazil [5]) to study the effect of SPI on oxidative stress, glycemic and lipid profile in the STZ diabetic animal model. However after 6 weeks of treatment the diabetic treated animals did not show a significant reduction in glycemic levels, perhaps which may be because the glycemic levels achieved in the STZ animals were highly elevated in this study.…”

Antioxidant Effect ofSpirulina (Arthrospira) maximaon Chronic Inflammation Induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant in Rats

“…[11][12][13] This is attributed to the synergistic action of its components such as antioxidant pigments, phycobiliproteins, carotenes, vitamins C and E, c-linolenic acid, and phenolic compounds. 14,15 The antioxidant effect of Spirulina may be responsible for its multiple pharmacological activities, which include antiviral, 16 hypoglycemic, 17 hypolipidemic, 11 anticarcinogenic, 18 antianemic, 19 and antiinflammatory 20 properties. It has been shown that the consumption of Spirulina can prevent different pathologies associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.…”

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“…Studies have also demonstrated that vitamin C is more potent in preventing LDL oxidation thereby reduced the risk of development of atherosclerosis in DM. SP contains good quality proteins which might stimulate insulin secretion and such effect may be responsible for the reduction in FBGL [20][21] .…”