Immunity

Spirulina can be used simply as a protein supplement but it is also considered to have specific effects on the immune system. Spirulina helps in building immunity and improving resistance to viral infections. Spirulina can enhance components of the mucosal and systemic immune system as it activates the cells of innate immune system. Several pre-clinical animal studies have shown good immune stimulatory effects in a variety of species. Preliminary studies in healthy humans suggest that spirulina increases the production of cytokines, tumour necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-2, and interferon, and causes CD4+ T helper cell proliferation. It also appears to increase the activity and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells [5].

Anti-toxic effects

Several animal studies have investigated the potential of spirulina to have a protective effect against toxicity related to various cytotoxic agents such as cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity & hepatotoxicity. [5]

Anti-allergic actions

Spirulina supplementation is also linked to protection against allergic reactions, as it can help stop the release of histamines, which cause allergy symptoms. One study found people with allergic rhinitis who consumed 2 grams of spirulina a day experienced significant improvement in symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching [6].

Anemia

Spirulina possibly enhances red cell production and function. Over a 12-week study period, there was a steady increase in average values of mean corpuscular haemoglobin with spirulina intake [5].

Liver and Cardiovascaular protection

Spirulina has hepatoprotective properties by decreasing liver lipid profile and lipoperoxidation products. Spirulina has a hypolipemic effect, especially on the concentrations of triacylglycerols and the cholesterol associated to low density lipoprotein and indirectly on total cholesterol and cholesterol associated to high density lipoprotein values [5].

Anti-inflammation and Anti-oxidant

Spirulina have shown anti-inflammatory activity through phycocyanin presence. Phycocyanin suppresses the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and TNF- α. In addition, the C-phycocyanin enhances the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. [7, 11]. Phycocyanin is a free radical scavenger, it shows significant enhancement of serum SOD activity higher than that of vitamin E and has significant hepatoprotective effects [11, 8].

References:

5. Mohan, Arpita, et al. "Spirulina, the nature’s wonder: A review." Lipids 5 (2014): 7-10.

6. Cingi, Cemal, et al. "The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis." European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 265 (2008): 1219-1223.

7. Mishra, Tulika, et al. "Spirulina: The Beneficial Algae." Int. J App. Micro. Sci 2.3 (2013): 21-35.

8. Kulshreshtha, Archana, et al. "Spirulina in health care management." Current pharmaceutical biotechnology 9.5 (2008): 400-405.

11. Bortolini, Débora Gonçalves, et al. "Functional properties of bioactive compounds from Spirulina spp.: Current status and future trends." Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences (2022): 100134.