Spirulina: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of phycocyanin have been widely demonstrated. In vitro, the mechanism of action appears similar to that of the coxibs, anti-inflammatory drugs that directly target cyclooxygenase-2 (an enzyme responsible for inflammatory states). Phycocyanin also has antioxidant properties, which may play a role in inhibiting inflammatory reactions. Indeed, some inflammatory tissue damage is mediated by reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxides, or hydrogen peroxide, which form at the site of inflammation and contribute to tissue damage in various acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.rnrnThus, the anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin results from a combination of non-enzymatic actions through its antioxidant properties and enzymatic actions through the selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). This specific action on COX-2 enables phycocyanin to address inflammation without causing the side effects associated with common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the results observed in vitro regarding COX-2 should be confirmed in vivo to assess the actual efficacy of phycocyanin on inflammatory mechanisms.rnrn

Usages associés

Immunomodulator

It is accepted that pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) are recognized by immune cell receptors via their lipid portion composed of fatty acids. The study of spirulina's composition has revealed the presence of glycolipids such as palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. It is therefore possible that spirulina interacts with immune cells thanks to the glycolipids it contains.rnrnIn vitro, an aqueous extract of spirulina has been shown to modulate the secretion of cytokines (interleukin IL-1β, IL-4, and interferon gamma) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA).rnrnSpirulina also induced the production of IL-12 secreted by myeloid cells (monocytes). Spirulina would first act on monocytes by stimulating IL-12 production, which would then lead to activation of interferon gamma production by natural killer cells.rnrnFurthermore, studies in rats have shown that spirulina and its components, such as phycocyanin, may affect immune functions by stimulating the proliferation or differentiation of immune cells in lymphoid organs.

Usages associés

Antioxidant

Phycocyanin appears to be the primary component responsible for spirulina's antioxidant activity. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, recognized for its role as an important physiological antioxidant against reactive oxygen species. Research has compared the antioxidant capacity of phycocyanin to that of trolox, a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E, demonstrating significant activity against alkoxyl radicals. Furthermore, studies show that phycocyanin has antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals, comparable to that of uric acid, a peroxyl-specific antioxidant. Phycocyanin, whether natural or reduced, also shows a protective effect against lipid peroxidation, a process involved in various pathologies related to oxidative stress or chemical toxicity.

Usages associés

Antihypertensive

Spirulina contains a peptide, SP6, which promotes arterial dilation and helps reduce blood pressure. In vitro studies show that phycocyanin C lowers blood pressure in several ways: by acting as an antagonist of angiotensin II receptors, by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a vasorelaxant substance, and by blocking NADPH oxidase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of angiotensin II.

Usages associés

Hepatoprotective

Phycocyanin, a component of spirulina, exerts a notable hepatoprotective effect. Thanks to its antioxidant power, it traps free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation. These properties reduce enzyme loss in the liver, thereby protecting liver cells from lysis and preserving liver health.

Usages associés

Hypolipidemic

C-Phycocyanin, a compound of spirulina, inhibits cholesterol absorption in the jejunum and bile acid reabsorption in the ileum. It also inhibits pancreatic lipase activity, an enzyme essential for fat digestion. In addition, spirulina plays a key role in preventing lipid peroxidation, a harmful oxidative process. It also stimulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase, which are crucial for eliminating free radicals. These combined actions contribute to improved lipid metabolism and protection against oxidative stress.

Usages associés

Chelator

Heavy metals are difficult for the body to absorb and eliminate. The chelation process, in which complexes are formed with metals to facilitate their elimination, is often insufficient, leading to the accumulation of these toxins. Spirulina is recognized as an effective natural chelator of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, mainly thanks to its active components: phycocyanin, β-carotene and flavonoids. These compounds facilitate the chelation of heavy metals and reduce liver inflammation, which promotes the elimination of toxins, xenobiotics, as well as residues of alcohol and tobacco. Several studies have highlighted spirulina's role in the detoxification of heavy metals, notably arsenic and cadmium.

Usages associés

Anticancer

Spirulina shows promising potential in cancer prevention. Studies have shown that phycocyanin, a component of spirulina, can activate apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. It acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), interfering with the arachidonic acid cascade, and promoting the release of cytochrome c, PARP (poly ADP-ribose polymerase) cleavage, and the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins, which are essential in the regulation of apoptosis. rnrnIn addition, spirulina polysaccharides increase endonuclease activity, DNA damage-repairing enzymes, thereby contributing to cancer prevention.rnrn

Antiviral

An in vitro study showed that calcium-spirulan, a spirulina polysaccharide, inhibits the replication of several enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1, human cytomegalovirus, measles and mumps viruses, influenza A virus, and HIV-1. The study indicates that pretreatment 3 hours before infection is more effective than treatment immediately after infection. This suggests that the polysaccharide acts at an early stage of viral replication, either during the adsorption or penetration phase. rnrnThus, the antiviral action of calcium-spirulan is mainly preventive. Ingesting spirulina, and therefore calcium-spirulan, in case of possible exposure could reduce the risk of infection and thus prevent disease.rnrn

Hypoglycemic

The effect of spirulina on the glycemic profile, fasting and postprandial blood glucose is mixed. Spirulina appears to improve short-term (fasting and postprandial blood glucose) and long-term (HbA1c) glycemic control and improve the lipid profile in diabetic patients. The mechanisms behind the reduction in blood glucose remain unknown.

Usages associés

Metabolic

Some clinical studies show slight reductions in body weight in obese or overweight individuals taking spirulina. In addition, clinical research indicates that spirulina may help reduce fat mass in athletes who lose weight for competitions. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear.

Usages associés