Spirulina

Prepared by:
Sikkim University Bhadra Basumatary
Zoology Department
Sikkim University M.Sc. II nd semester
Zoology Department Roll No.- 16MZOOO4
 According to Cancer Research UK, "the term
'superfood' is really just a marketing tool,
with little scientific basis to it

The Oxford Dictionary definition states a

superfood is a nutrient-rich food considered
to be especially beneficial for health and well-
being".
 Spirulina is called a Superfood because it is a
highly potent, concentrated food source,
containing most essential micronutrients
which our body needs in small quantities. Due
to its high nutritional value, it is an
exceptional health and energy booster.
 Spirulina is a food supplement composed of two
species of cyanobacteria;
i. Arthrospira platensis and
ii. Arthrospira maxima

It is characterized by its spiral structure, which

never branches
It is found naturally in Africa, Asia, and South
America, though it is now cultivated
worldwide.
 The Aztecs harvested Spirulina from lakes for
centuries
They called it teocuitlatl, which means the
stones excrement.
Many alkaline lakes in Africa, particularly
Lake Chad, and Asia have harvested Spirulina
for hundreds of years.
 Pondicherry spirulina
farms
Algene Biotech
Parry Nutraceuticals
Aurospirul Etc.
 Antioxidant properties
-C-phycocyanin (biliproteins)

Antiviral properties
-calcium spirulan (Ca-Sp)- (Hayashi et al.)

Anticancer properties
-antioxidant and immune modulation (combined)
 Spirulina farming has many ecological benefits,
when compared to other farmed food products:

1.Water Use

2.Land Use
- requires very little surface area of land
- land can be marginal and non-fertile,unsuitable for
agriculture.

3.Carbon Reduction
1. Worsens Phenylketonuria
-lacks phenylalanine hydroxylase
2. Exacerbates The Symptoms Of Autoimmune Diseases
-spirulina acts as an irritant.

3. Risk Of Heavy Metal Toxicity

-heavy metals: mercury, cadmium.
4.Triggers Edema
-spirulina is packed with vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
 Spirulina has potential for being a wonder food
supplement and several leading organizations
have praised its beneficial effects. In spite of the
wide usage for its beneficial effects, a few side
effects and contradications have been reported
with Spirulina use. The most frequently reported
adverse effects are headache, muscle pain,
flushing of the face, sweating, and difficulty
concentrating etc.
More research is needed to develop a safe products
for human use.
J. Marles, L. Barrett et al. (2011). United States
Pharmacopeia Safety Evaluation of Spirulin. Critical
Reviews in Food Science andNutrition, 51,593604.
K. Hayashi, T. Hayashi, M. Maedaa, and I. Kojima,
(19196).Calcium spirulan, an inhibitor of envelope virus
replication, from a blue-green alga
Spirulina platensis . Journal of Natural Products . 59,
837.
K. Moorhead , Bob Capelli and Dr. G. R. Cysewski (1993).
Spirulina Natures Superfood. Cyanotech Corporation
.6-66
M. Ravi, S. L. De, S. Azharuddin and S. F. Paul (2010).
The beneficial effects of spirulina focusing on its
immunomodulatory and antioxidant
properties.Dove press journal:nutrition and Dietary
supplements.2,73-83.

Nakaya et al. (1988).Cholesterol lowering effect of

spirulina . nutrition reports international.13,29-37.
Thank You