Review for uses and therapeutic effects of spirulina, Spirulina platensis microalgae

Abstract

Spirulina is a filamentous cyanobacteria with many applications in food and drug industries, as a food in human, aquaculture, vet and poultry industries. Semi and mass culture of Spirulina carries out in different countries. it contains large amounts of protein (70% dry weight), carotenoid (4000 mg/kg), (omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids ,gamma linolenic acid (GLA), sulfolipids, glycolipids, polysaccharides, provitamins; vitamin A vitamin E, various B vitamins; and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc and selenium. Pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that Spirulina has certain therapeutic effects such as reduction in blood cholesterol, protection against some cancers, enhancement of the immune system, increase of intestinal lactobacilli, reduction of nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs, radiation protection, reduction of hyperlipidemia and obesity. In this paper, uses and therapeutic effect of spirulina have been reviewed according to new researches. Keywords: spirulina, use, therapeutic.