Investigation of nutraceutical potential of the microalgae <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> and <i>Arthrospira platensis</i>

Abstract

Summary The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis were evaluated as nutraceuticals. It was observed that Arthrospira platensis is richer in saturated fatty acids ( FA ) and Chlorella vulgaris richer in monounsaturated FA . Within polyunsaturated FA ( PUFA ), n3 PUFA content was below 1% in Arthrospira sp and over 10% in Chlorella vulgaris . This microalga had the lowest polyphenolic content. The highest value was found in the aqueous extract of Arthrospira platensis , 334 ± 32 mg GAE per 100 g dw. Regarding DPPH , only aqueous extracts of Chlorella vulgaris yielded antioxidant activity with an inhibitory activity of 80 ± 1%. ABTS results showed stronger inhibition through the aqueous extracts than through the ethanolic extracts, 89%–93% vs. 24%–32%. Concerning cytotoxicity, ethanolic extracts of Chlorella vulgaris induced a cell viability decrease of approximately 80%. The biochemical characterisation and bioactivity assessment of Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis showed that these microalgae have potential for nutraceutical applications.