Spirulina in Health Care Management
Kulshreshtha, A., Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2008, Vol. 9, No. 5
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 algae contains a wide spectrum of prophylactic and therapeutic nutrients that include B-complex vitamins, minerals, proteins, α-linolenic acid and the super anti-oxidants such as ß-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 antidiabetic and plethora of beneficial functions. Spirulina consumption appears to promote the growth of intestinal microflora as well. The review discusses the potential of Spirulina in health care management.