Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and EcofriendlySpirulina

Abstract

The highly nutritional and ecofriendlySpirulina(Arthrospira platensis) has hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antihypertensive properties.Spirulinacontains functional compounds, such as phenolics, phycocyanins, and polysaccharides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects. Studies conducted onSpirulinasuggest that it is safe in healthy subjects, but attitude to eating probably affects the acceptability ofSpirulinacontaining foods. Although the antioxidant effect ofSpirulinais confirmed by the intervention studies, the concerted modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory responses, suggested by in vitro and animal studies, requires more confirmation in humans.Spirulinasupplements seem to affect more effectively the innate immunity, promoting the activity of natural killer cells. The effects on cytokines and on lymphocytes’ proliferation depend on age, gender, and body weight differences. In this context, ageing and obesity are both associated with chronic low grade inflammation, immune impairment, and intestinal dysbiosis. Microbial-modulating activities have been reported in vitro, suggesting that the association ofSpirulinaand probiotics could represent a new strategy to improve the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota. AlthoughSpirulinamight represent a functional food with potential beneficial effects on human health, the human interventions used only supplements. Therefore, the effect of food containingSpirulinashould be evaluated in the future.