INTRODUCTION:

Understanding human needs for nutritious food and the complete provision of the same is very important. Lifestyle changes, dynamic restructuring of small and large areas, and the unavailability of nutritious food sources contribute to an increase in the incidence of malnutrition and other health risks. Since the source of many nutritional needs is nutrition, it is necessary to look at the element of ingredients that will improve the health status of individuals.

Given the current situation, it is necessary to find a way to provide nutritious and nutritious food supplements. One source supplement, which is easily produced, processed, distributed and a wide range of macro- and micronutrients for the benefits of human health spirulina. The number of research articles discussing the beneficial effects of spirulina is increasing every year. Also, the number of indica- tors in which spirulina is used as a dietary supplement is growing. In fact, in the first two months of this year, about seven volumes of spirulina were discovered in indexed newspapers. The exact origin of spirulina is still unknown, but it is known that it emerged 3.6 million years ago as a bridge of evolution between bacteria and green vegetation. Spirulina continues to evolve over the years, and is now found almost everywhere and has been a rich source of nutrition for many cultures including America, Africa and the Middle East since ancient times. It has been stated by NASA that the nutritional value of 1000kg of fruits and vegetables is equivalent to one kilogram of spirulina.¹ The United Nations congratulated spirulina as "the best food of the future at its international conference held in mid-1974. Spirulina can be harvested in simple ways and can be processed into various types of storage such as powders, tablets, flakes, syrups, etc.² One of the first health effects of spirulina was its role in the management of diabetes and its effects on plasma triglycerides (total and LDL- cholesterol), lowering blood pressure, improving antioxidant status, and inflammatory effects.³ Recent reports note the importance of spirulina in its immune effects, anti-fatigue and radiant protective effects. Spirulina is commonly used in Asian cuisine. In the United States, spirulina is sold in health food stores as a powder or tablet. In Russia, it is approved to treat symptoms of radiation sickness, because the carotenoid-containing substance absorbs radiation.⁴ Spirulina has also been reported to reduce neuro-logical damage in older animals, and it also reduces the damage caused by stroke. Studies also show that spirulina can prevent histamine release, treating symptoms of allergies. Melano-sis and keratosis improve Spirulina dosage have also been shown.

The first written report on spirulina dates back to the 16th century and spirulina is believed to have been a source of help for the Aztecs and Masoamericans. Spirulina occurs naturally in hot and humid pools with high pH and high concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate. The highest levels of spirulina today can be found in Lake Texcoco in Mexico, near 1 Lake Chad in Central Africa and in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. Spirulina has been thoroughly and extensively studied by scientists worldwide, and it is reported to be a powerful and balanced source of nutrition. Arthrospira platensis occurs in Africa, Asia and South America, while Arthrospira maxima is confined to Central America.² Spirulina is a blue and green algae due to its presence in both chlorophyll (green) and -phycocyanin (blue) in its molecular structure. Favourite lakes and fresh water are very alkaline (pH range 8 to 11) than ordinary lakes and cannot sustain any other forms of microorganisms. In addition, Spirulina thrives in very warm waters of 32°C to 45°C (approximately 85°F to 112°F), and has even survived in temperatures of 60°C (140°F) It has photosynthetic activity and therefore is an autotroph. Being gram negative it has a complex cell wall composed of peptidoglycan. The helical shape of the trichome is characteristic of the genus⁴.

Spirulina production involves three major steps, viz., cultivation, harvesting and processing. Selected strains are used for cultivation of alga in specially' constructed ponds. Most cultivated spirulina is produced in open-channel raceway ponds, with paddle-wheels used to agitate the water. The United States, Thailand, India, Taiwan, China, Pakistan and Burma are the largest commercial producers of spirulina. Spirulina has many essential and nonessential macro- and micronutrients that makes it an ideal nutritional and dietary supplement.

We review here, the beneficial effects of spirulina as a nutritional and dietary supplement covering all major areas of health benefits, with special focus on its immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. We have considered for our review the information obtained from scientific publications with evidence based methods and data analysis. The databases utilized for obtaining information are scientific research publications from journals indexed/available through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Relevant details were also obtained from general databases such as Google. The key words used for the information search include 'Spirulina', 'S. platensis', 'dietary supplements, 'natural sources', immunomodulation', 'antioxidant' and benefits. Both reviews and papers discussing a specific supplementary effect of spirulina were utilized for this review.

FIG. SPIRULINA POWDER

MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMY:

Spirulina platensis is symbiotic, multicellular and filamentous blue green microalgae with symbiotic bacteria which fix the nitrogen from air. The shape of Spirulina platensis can be like rod or disk. The main morphological feature of Spirulina platensis genes would be the arrangement of the multicellular cylindrical trichome. The photosynthetic pigment of Spirulina platensis is phycocyanin, its colour is blue. This type of bacteria contains chlorophyll a and carotenoids. Some of the bacteria contain pigments like phycothrin which bacteria red and pink colour. Spirulina platensis are photosynthetic, so therefore it is autotrophic in nature. The reproduction of Spirulina platensis is due to binary fission. Spirulina platensis have a crew like trichome which have generally closed, uniform, and narrow diameter from 0.5-3um. Cells with cross walls are visible under light microscope, without gas vacuoles and with prominent granules. The trichomes have a length of 50 to 500um and its width is up to 4um. Gram negative bacteria have similar cell wall to cyanobacteria which contain peptidoglycan, lysozyme sensitive heteropolymer⁵.

Environmental factors those affect the helix geometry are temperature, physical and chemical condition. One of the drastic alteration is the geometry is the reversible transition from helix to spiral shape while transferring the filaments from liquid to solid media⁶.

Class	MYXOPHYCEAE
Order	HORMOGONALES
Family	OSCILLATORIACEAE
Genus	SPIRULINA PLANTESIS

USE OF SPIRULINA:

Anti-Viral

Cancer Resistance Strength

Cardiovascular benefits

The Role of Diabetes

Radioprotective properties

Changing features of lipid

Immunomodulatory properties

Anti-Oxidant Properties

Malnutrition

Effect to Eliminate Inflammation.

Anti-Viral:

Exciting research is being done by preparing the hot springs of spirulina and subjected to subdivision. Part of the separated product was found to prevent the replication of various viruses, especially those with the envelope such as the measles virus, as well as the HIV-1 virus, in human T cells, mononuclear blood cells and Langerhans cells. This component is found in sulfated polysaccharide, calcium spirulina. In order to achieve optimal calcium infusion to prevent the replication of the virus, calcium was replaced by sodium. As a result the antiviral property was banned. Calcium was therefore considered to play an important role in a dose-dependent way to prevent the cytopathic role of such bacteria.⁷

Cardiovascular benefits:

The cardiovascular benefits and use of Spirulina have been described in many papers. A review published in 2009 identified several reports suggesting that Spirulina (Arthrospira) could have a beneficial effect on preventing heart disease. Decreased blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations, especially triacylglycerols and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol have been shown by demons due to the oral use of Spirulina. Spirulina has also been shown to indirectly alter the total cholesterol and high levels of lipoprotein cholesterol.⁸ Recent population surveys confirm the above-mentioned reference to an open sample of people. The results showed that total cholesterol and triacylglycerols decreased significantly in the Spirulina group, and HDL levels saw a significant increase, while both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased. Also, Spirulina has shown a hypolipidemic effect. In Korea, clinical trials were performed on 78 older men and women, aged 60 to 87, to determine the effects of Spirulina use on lipid profiles, as well as for signs of immune and antioxidant activity. Compared with placcebo in this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, Spirulina users had lower cholesterol and increased interleukin-2 and decreased interleukin-6. Spirulina has had a positive effect on lipid profiles, immunosuppressive profiles, and antioxidant power in healthy men, the elderly and women. Researchers have concluded that Spirulina is good for the diet.⁹

The Role of Diabetes Mellitus:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases and worries worldwide due to its health effects and economic well-being. Diet plays an important role in maintaining blood glucose levels in diabetic patients to prevent complications. As spirulina has been linked to cholesterol control, antioxidant and immune modulatory properties, it appears to be useful for diabetic patients as an active diet. Spirulina helps maintain a healthy diet balance in such chronic conditions. Considering the sensitive lipid profile in DM patients, spirulina has been reported to have antihypertensive lower lipid effects that have a positive effect on both healthy subjects and heart patients. Since dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered to be factors that contribute to diabetes, spirulina has good promise as an effective diet in managing type 2 diabetes.¹⁰

Malnutrition:

Spirulina platensis offers a few great and amazing therapeutic benefits to malnourished children, especially people under five years of age. Arthrospira platensis protein and Vitamin-B complex provide significant nutritional improvements for adults and teens, as they provide attractive beta carotene compounds that can overcome eye problems or eye disease caused by malnutrition. And promote 1zidingo carotene dietary requirements that may help or combat childhood eye diseases.¹¹

Power against cancer:

Although there is not much research in human clinics, there are many studies showing Spirulina's ability to prevent cancer and reduce tumor in animal models. Since 1987, researchers at Harvard University's School of Dental Medicine have published evidence that a combination of Spirulina and Dunaliela microalgae extracts caused plant degradation in rat mouth. Complete degradation of the plant was found in 30% of animals receiving Spirulina and Dunaliella quotes, while partial dehydration was found in all the remaining 70% of the animals; Currently, in the control group, no tumor regression was found. The following year another study from Harvard showed that the same leaflet Spirulina and Dunaliella could prevent tumor growth in mice. These two studies, although not unique to Spirulina, are important for the purpose of this review because they have demonstrated both the prevention and therapeutic potential of microalgae against cancer. After tumor reconstruction and tumor prevention showed microalgae in animal models, the human clinical trial was performed on pre-cancerous lesions in 1995. This study was performed on pure Spirulina compared to previous animal experiments that used a combination of two substances.

Species of microalgae:

The study group members consisted of a low dose of Spirulina 1g per day for 12 months. The current recommended dosage for Spirulina products for sale is usually 1.5g to 5g per day) This study was designed to test the chemo preventive function of Spirulina in restoring oral leukoplakia in chewing tobacco studies. (Leukoplakia) is a condition with precancerous lesions that develop on the inside of the cheek, tongue or other parts of the mouth due to chronic irritation. It is more common in people who have chronic chewing tobacco.)

Promising:

Complete reversal of malignant oral ulcers was observed in 45% of 44 subjects taking Spirulina, while only 7% of the 43 members of the placebo group experienced a complete reduction. Interestingly, within one year of the discontinuation of Spirulina supplementation, 9 of the 20 previously diagnosed subjects had completely recovered and developed recurrent ulcers.¹²

Radioprotective Features:

There are concerns about the unwanted side effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combination therapy, although they are currently treatments for many types of cancer. Cancer treatment strategies and management strategies are constantly being developed. In addition to new therapies and drug delivery programs, several research contributions to the area come from the identification of appropriate molecules/ agents for 'radio protection'. This also has an impact on other areas such as exposure to occupational radiation, accidentally and intentionally. Spirulina promotes are hematopoietic stem cells and reproductive cells that differentiate after the death of co-Co Co-y radiation and thus increase survival rate in mice.

Lipid-modulating Features:

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study, spirulina showed a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to high-density lipo-protein (HDL) measurement after four months of supplementation. In mice, a portion of water-soluble spirulina significantly reduced LDL/HDL levels. Spirulina supplementation lowers plasma lipid levels and alters cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. Spirulina has also been reported to lower blood pressure by promoting vascular blockage and re-strengthening vasoconstriction.¹³

Immunomodulatory Features:

The liquid extraction of spirulina was found to have a significant effect on the immune system by increasing the phagocytic activity of macrophages, which stimulate NK cells. It has also been involved in the functioning and synthesis of T and B cells due to their stimulating effects on the production of cytokines and antibodies. It has also been of benefit to the implant community as these extracts cause CD compression and co-activation of human T cells to the same immunosuppressive effect produced by drugs such as cyclosporine with many side effects. Photosynthetic pigment phycocyanin has a role to play in repairing the immune system. It has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic inflammatory reaction. It has also been observed that in vivo and in-vitro suppressed tumor cell growth, improved NK cell function and created red lymphocytes to produce TNF-a.¹⁴

Antioxidant Features:

During oxidative stress, changes occur in NADPH activity, leading to differences in the for motion of enzymes involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, nitric oxide synthase, xanthine dehydrogenase thereby producing higher levels of superoxide. This leads to apoptosis, cardiac remodeling due to chronic pressure, atrial fibrillation etc. The effect of bilirubin and biliverdin on the activity of NADPH Oxidase mimics the phytochemical phycocyanobilin which is a homologous believed in. A phytochemical rich in spirulina, phycocyanobilin is reported to inhibit NADPH Oxidase activity and promote glutathione synthesis and significant production of powerful antioxidant enzymes that regulate oxidative stress in sickle cell disease.¹⁵

Anti-inflammatory effect:

Recent research reveals that free bilirubin acts physically as a potent inhibitor of NADPH oxidase action. The chromophore phycocyanobilin (PCB), found in blue growths and cyanobacteria, for example, Spirulina, has also been shown to be a potent inhibitor of this complex chemical, possibly due to its rapidly depleting mammal cells into phycocyanobilin, a nearby homolog. bilirubin. Oral-administered Spirulina or phycocyanin (Spirulina holoprotein containing PCB) can use a wide range of mitigation effects. Until the upgraded PCB Spirulina splits or the PCB is made financially accessible, the most accessible and cost-effective way to direct the PCB is to import all of Spirulina.

CONCLUSION:

Spirulina shows potent immune stimulating effects, shows antiviral activity against a variety of harmful viruses. It shows promise as a cancer preventative agent and in the treatment of tumor. Spirulina shows far ranging cardiovascular benefits including improvement of blood lipid profiles, prevention of atherosclerosis, and control of hypertension. In addition to high levels of pro vitamin A, dried micro algae can provide various other nutrients including proteins, minerals, of tons per year after research which has proved its importance.

REFERENCE

1. Characterization of Spirulina biomass for CELSS diet potential. Normal, Al.: Alabama A&M University, 1988.

2. Vonshak A. Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira). Physiol Cell-BiolBiotechnol.London: Taylor & Francis; 1997.

3. Eun HL, Ji-Eun P, Young-Ju C, Kap-Bum H, Wha-Young K. A randomized study to.establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nut Res Practice. 2008; 2(4):295-300.

4. Cifferi O. Spirulina as a microorganism. Microbiol Rev. 1983; 47(4): 551-578.

5. M. Ahsan, B.Habib, MashudaParvin (2008), A Review on Culture, Production and use of Spirulina as food for humans and feeds for domestic animals and fish, ISSN 2070-6065.

6. Van Eykelnburg, C., Fuchs, A. and Schmidt, G.H. (1989), Anatomie Van Leewenbokek, 45: 369

7. Grawish ME, Zaher AR, Gaafar AI, Nasif WA. Long-term effect of Spirulina platensis extract on DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis (immunohistochemicalb study). Med Oncol. 2009. Epub 2009

8. Juarez-Oropeza MA, Mascher D, Torres-Duran PV, Farias JM, Paredes-Carbajal MC (2009) Effects of Spirulina on vascular reactivity J Med Food 12(1) 15-20

9. Park HJ, Lee YJ, Ryu HK, Kim MH, Chung HW, Kim WY (2008) A randomized double- blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of Spirulina in elderly Koreans Annals NutrMetab 52(4) 322-328.

10. Eun HL, Ji-Eun P, Young-Ju C, Kap-Bum H, Wha-Young K. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nut Res Practice. 2008; 2(4):295-300

11. Bob Capelli. Potential health benefits of Spirulina microalgae. Nutra foods. 2010; 9(2):19-26.

12. Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, Varghese C, Somanathan T, Amma BP, Amma NS, Nair MK (1995) Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusi- formis Nutr Cancer 24(2) 197-202

13. Schwartz J, Shklar G, Reid S, Trickler D. Prevention of experimental oral cancer by extracts of Spirulina-Dunaliella algae. Nutr Cancer. 1988; 11(2):127-134.

14. Subhashini J, Mahipal SV, Reddy MC, Mallikarjuna Reddy M, Rachamallu A, Reddanna P. Molecular mechanisms in C-Phycocyanin induced apoptosis in human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line-K562. BiochemPharmacol. 2004; 68(3):453-462

15. Hayashi O, Katayanagi Y, Ishii K, Kato T. Flow cytometric analysis of age-related changes in intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte subsets and their functional preservation after feeding mice on spirulina. J Med Food. 2009; 12(5):982-989.

Received on 28.12.2022 Modified on 30.01.2023

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2023; 13(2):180-184.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5659.2023.00031