Spirulina in health care management

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2008 Oct;9(5):400-5. doi: 10.2174/138920108785915111.

Abstract

Spirulina is a photosynthetic, filamentous, spiral-shaped and multicellular edible microbe. It is the nature's richest and most complete source of nutrition. Spirulina has a unique blend of nutrients that no single source can offer. The alga contains a wide spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic nutrients that include B-complex vitamins, minerals, proteins, gamma-linolenic acid and the super anti-oxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin E, trace elements and a number of unexplored bioactive compounds. Because of its apparent ability to stimulate whole human physiology, Spirulina exhibits therapeutic functions such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-diabetic and plethora of beneficial functions. Spirulina consumption appears to promote the growth of intestinal micro flora as well. The review discusses the potential of Spirulina in health care management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Delivery of Health Care / trends*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / prevention & control*
  • Food, Organic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Spirulina / cytology*
  • Spirulina / physiology*