Spirulina (genus)

About: Spirulina (genus) is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3445 publications have been published within this topic receiving 45402 citations.

The ecology of cyanobacteria: their diversity in time and space.

Abstract: 1. Introduction to the cyanobacteria B.A. Whitton, M. Potts. 2. The evolutionary record: Tracing the roots of the cyanobacterial lineage J.W. Schopf. Environments: 3. Cyanobacteria in geothermal habitats D.M. Ward, R.W. Castenholz. 4. Mats and stromatolites L. Stal. 5. Marine plankton H.W. Paerl. 6. Freshwater blooms R.L. Oliver, G.G. Ganf. 7. Picoplankton and other non-blooming forming cyanobacteria in lakes J.G. Stockner, et al. 8. Soils and rice-fields B.A. Whitton. 9. Limestones A. Pentecost, B.A. Whitton. 10. Salts and brines A. Oren. 11. Oil pollution S.S. Radwan, R.H. Al-Hasan. 12. Cyanobacterial dominance in the polar regions W.F. Vincent. 13. Cyanobacteria in deserts: life at the limits? D.D. Wynn-Williams. Molecular Ecology: 14. Detecting the environment N. Mann. 15. Molecular responses to environmental stress D. Bhaya, et al. 16. Metal metabolism and metal toxicity: repetitive DNA N.J. Robinson, et al. The Organisms: 17. Nostoc M. Potts. 18. Arthrospira (Spirulina): Systematics and ecophysiology A. Vonshak, L. Tomaselli. 19. Symbiotic interactions D.G. Adams. 20. Cyanophage C. Suttle. Environmental Factors: 21. Cyanobacterial responses to UV-radiation R.W. Castenholz, F. Garcia-Pichel. Ecological Aspects of Metabolites: 22.Cyanotoxins C. Dow.

Current knowledge on potential health benefits of Spirulina

Abstract: Spirulina is a microscopic filamentous alga that is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and essential fatty acids like γ-linolenic acid (GLA). It is produced commercially and sold as a food supplement in health food stores around the world. Up to very recently, the interest in Spirulina was mainly in its nutritive value. Currently, however, numerous people are looking into the possible therapeutic effects of Spirulina. Many pre-clinical studies and a few clinical studies suggest several therapeutic effects ranging from reduction of cholesterol and cancer to enhancing the immune system, increasing intestinal lactobacilli, reducing nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs and radiation protection. This paper presents a critical review of some published and unpublished data on therapeutic effects of Spirulina.

Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina.

Abstract: Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, possesses diverse biological activities and nutritional significance due to high concentration of natural nutrients, having bio-modulatory and immuno-modulatory functions. Different Spirulina preparations influence immune system viz. increase phagocytic activity of macrophages, stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines, increase accumulation of NK cells into tissue and activation and mobilization of T and B cells. Spirulina have also shown to perform regulatory role on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism by exhibiting glucose and lipid profile correcting activity in experimental animals and in diabetic patients. Preparations have been found to be active against several enveloped viruses including herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus and HIV. They are capable to inhibit carcinogenesis due to anti-oxidant properties that protect tissues and also reduce toxicity of liver, kidney and testes.

Microalgae as food and supplement.

Abstract: The microalgae Chlorella spp., Dunaliella spp., and Scenedesmus spp., and the cyanobacteria Spirulina spp., and Aphanizomenon flos‐aquae, are being used as nutrient‐dense foods and sources of fine chemicals. They have significant amounts of lipid, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and unique pigments. They may also have potent probiotic compounds that enhance health. Their historical and current use are reviewed in this article.