The Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Partially Purified Polysaccharide Fractions of Cell-free Medium and Biomass of Spirulina platensis PCST5

Abstract

Background: Spirulina is a cyanobacteria species containing various bioactive compounds. Spirulina is a known source of nutrients in some traditional diets. Different activities have been reported for various extracts of S. platensis. Objectives: In this study, the polysaccharide content of culture media and biomass extract of one species of Spirulina was partially purified, and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated. Methods: Spirulina platensis PCST5 was cultured in a sterile Zarouk medium at 27°C and 16/8h of light/ dark exposure cycle for 25 days. Then, the polysaccharide content of biomass and cell-free culture medium samples (BPSs and CFPSs, respectively) was partially purified. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using animal models. Results: 16S rRNA gene analysis confirmed that the organism was genetically similar to Spirulina platensis. The CFPSs (30 and 100 mg/kg) and BPSs (30 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain-related behaviors in rats. Similarly, all samples could significantly reduce carrageenan-induced paw inflammation volume compared with the control group. Our results suggest Spirulina's polysaccharide fractions (CFPSs and BPSs) had significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: Since Spirulina is a readily available source of bioactive compounds, finding such potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive compounds can provide promising leads for novel drug development.