REVIEW PAPER
Spirulina maxima supplementation: benefits and limitations – results of latest studies
1
Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities, Pruszków, Poland
2
1Independent Public Hospital Prof. W. Orlowski Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
3
Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
4
The Infant Jesus Clinical Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
5
University Clinical Hospital named after F. Chopin, Rzeszów, Poland
6
Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital named after St John Paul II, Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
7
Medical Centre, Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland
8
Czerniakowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
9
Miedzylesie Specialist Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
Corresponding author
Natalia Karolina Dąbrowska
Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Pruszków, aleja Armii Krajowej 2/4, 05-800, Pruszków, Poland
Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities in Pruszków, aleja Armii Krajowej 2/4, 05-800, Pruszków, Poland
J Pre Clin Clin Res. 2024;18(3):195-200
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Clinical use of the blue-green algae Spirulina has gained attention due to its potential health benefits. While some research suggests promising outcomes, the overall evidence is still limited, and further rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. Despite the need for more research, Spirulina continues to be explored as a potential adjunctive therapy in holistic health approaches and dietary supplementation.
Review methods:
A search of the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, UpToDate databases was carried out using key words: ‘spirulina’ and ‘spirulina supplementation’ in order to find the latest publications.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Spirulina is considered a nutrient-dense food source, abundant in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Research indicates potential health benefits, including immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects, improved lipid profiles, and antioxidant properties. Studies have also investigated Spirulina’s potential role in managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and cancer. While some studies show promising results, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, optimal dosage, and long-term effects on human health.
Summary:
Despite limitations, numerous studies have explored the effectiveness and potential clinical uses of Spirulina in treating various diseases. Some randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that this alga could alleviate symptoms and potentially exhibit anti-cancer, antiviral, ant-inflammatory effects
Clinical use of the blue-green algae Spirulina has gained attention due to its potential health benefits. While some research suggests promising outcomes, the overall evidence is still limited, and further rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. Despite the need for more research, Spirulina continues to be explored as a potential adjunctive therapy in holistic health approaches and dietary supplementation.
Review methods:
A search of the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, UpToDate databases was carried out using key words: ‘spirulina’ and ‘spirulina supplementation’ in order to find the latest publications.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Spirulina is considered a nutrient-dense food source, abundant in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Research indicates potential health benefits, including immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects, improved lipid profiles, and antioxidant properties. Studies have also investigated Spirulina’s potential role in managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and cancer. While some studies show promising results, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, optimal dosage, and long-term effects on human health.
Summary:
Despite limitations, numerous studies have explored the effectiveness and potential clinical uses of Spirulina in treating various diseases. Some randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicate that this alga could alleviate symptoms and potentially exhibit anti-cancer, antiviral, ant-inflammatory effects
Dąbrowska NK, Marcinkowski K, Mazur A, Mazur S, Madera M, Strus K, Bizan A, Nagórska E, Zdunek R, Kublińska A. Spirulina maxima
supplementation: benefits and limitations – results of the latest studies. J Pre -Clin Clin Res. 2024; 18(3): 195–200. doi: 10.26444/jpccr/189444
REFERENCES (36)
1.
Pyne PK, Bhattacharjee P, Srivastav PP. Microalgae (Spirulina Platensis) and Its Bioactive Molecules: Review. Indian J Nutri. 2017;4(2):160.
2.
Chamorro G, Salazar S, Favila-Castillo L, Steele C, Salazar M. Reproductive and peri- and postnatal evaluation of Spirulina maxima in mice. J Appl Phycol. 1997 Apr 1;9(2):107–12.
3.
Salazar M, Chamorro GA, Salazar S, Steele CE. Effect of Spirulina maxima consumption on reproduction and peri- and postnatal development in rats. Food Chem Toxicol Int J Publ Br Ind Biol Res Assoc. 1996 Apr;34(4):353–9.
4.
Lu J, Ren DF, Xue YL, Sawano Y, Miyakawa T, Tanokura M. Isolation of an antihypertensive peptide from alcalase digest of Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Jun 23;58(12):7166–71.
5.
Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75(10):e14472.
6.
Bobescu E, Bălan A, Moga MA, Teodorescu A, Mitrică M, Dima L. Are There Any Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation for Metabolic Syndrome Components in Postmenopausal Women? Mar Drugs. 2020;18(12):651. https://doi.org/10.3390/md1812....
7.
Miczke A, Szulińska M, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, Kręgielska-Narożna M, Suliburska J, Walkowiak J, et al. Effects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(1):150–6.
8.
Lee EH, Park JE, Choi YJ, Huh KB, Kim WY. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutr Res Pract. 2008;2(4):295–300.
9.
Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical Safety of a High Dose of Phycocyanin-Enriched Aqueous Extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study with a Focus on Anticoagulant Activity and Platelet Activation. J Med Food. 2016 Jul;19(7):645–53.
10.
Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pract. 2021;75(10):e14473.
11.
Machowiec P, Ręka G, Maksymowicz M, Piecewicz-Szczęsna H, Smoleń A. Effect of Spirulina Supplementation on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 31;13(9):3054.
12.
Guerre-Millo M. Adipose tissue hormones. J Endocrinol Invest. 2002 Nov 1;25(10):855–61.
13.
Mohammad M, Karim D, Mehdi M, Marziyeh S, Hadi S, Shila N. The Combinatory Effect of Spirulina Supplementation and Resistance Exercise on Plasma Contents of Adipolin, Apelin, Ghrelin, and Glucose in Overweight and Obese Men. Mediators Inflamm. 2022;2022:9539286.
14.
Wysocka MB, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Nowak D. The Role of Apelin in Cardiovascular Diseases, Obesity and Cancer. Front Physiol. 2018 May 23;9:557.
15.
Pradhan G, Samson SL, Sun Y. Ghrelin: much more than a hunger hormone. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2013 Nov;16(6):619–24.
16.
Zeinalian R, Farhangi MA, Shariat A, Saghafi-Asl M. The effects of Spirulina Platensis on anthropometric indices, appetite, lipid profile and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in obese individuals: a randomized double blinded placebo controlled trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Apr 21;17(1):225.
17.
Suliburska J, Szulińska M, Tinkov AA, Bogdański P. Effect of Spirulina maxima Supplementation on Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, and Zinc Status in Obese Patients with Treated Hypertension. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2016 Sep;173(1):1–6.
18.
Szulinska M, Gibas-Dorna M, Miller-Kasprzak E, Suliburska J, Miczke A, Walczak-Gałezewska M, et al. Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017 May;21(10):2473–81.
19.
Hernández-Lepe MA, López-Díaz JA, Juárez-Oropeza MA, Hernández-Torres RP, Wall-Medrano A, Ramos-Jiménez A. Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight or Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled Trial. Mar Drugs. 2018 Oct 1;16(10):364.
20.
Simons-Linares CR, Jang S, Sanaka M, Bhatt A, Lopez R, Vargo J, et al. The triad of diabetes ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. How does it affect mortality and morbidity? Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Feb 15;98(7):e14378.
21.
Rahnama I, Arabi SM, Chambari M, Bahrami LS, Hadi V, Mirghazanfari SM, et al. The effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2023 Jul;193:106802.
22.
Ghaem Far Z, Babajafari S, Kojuri J, Mohammadi S, Nouri M, Rostamizadeh P, et al. Antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) sauce on patients with hypertension: A randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2021;35(11):6181–90.
23.
Karizi S rajabzadeh, Armanmehr F, Azadi HG, Zahroodi HS, Ghalibaf AM, Bazzaz BSF, et al. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled add-on trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and anti-atherogenic effect of spirulina platensis in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Phytother Res. 2023;37(4):1435–48.
24.
Yousefi R, Mottaghi A, Saidpour A. Spirulina platensis effectively ameliorates anthropometric measurements and obesity-related metabolic disorders in obese or overweight healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Oct;40:106–12.
25.
Hatami E, Ghalishourani SS, Najafgholizadeh A, Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Clark CCT, et al. The effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Diabetes Metab Disord. 2021 Jun;20(1):883–92.
26.
Wu Q, Liu L, Miron A, Klímová B, Wan D, Kuča K. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview. Arch Toxicol. 2016 Aug;90(8):1817–40.
27.
Naeini F, Zarezadeh M, Mohiti S, Tutunchi H, Ebrahimi Mamaghani M, Ostadrahimi A. Spirulina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2021 Oct;75(10):e14618.
28.
Finamore A, Palmery M, Bensehaila S, Peluso I. Antioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly Spirulina. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3247528.
29.
Calella P, Di Dio M, Cerullo G, Di Onofrio V, Gallé F, Liguori G. Antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of Spirulina in disease conditions: a systematic review. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2022 Nov 17;73(8):1047–56.
30.
Calella P, Cerullo G, Di Dio M, Liguori F, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, et al. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spirulina in exercise and sport: A systematic review. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1048258.
31.
Bogdanov I, Kazandjieva J, Darlenski R, Tsankov N. Dermatomyositis: Current concepts. Clin Dermatol. 2018;36(4):450–8.
32.
Bax CE, Maddukuri S, Ravishankar A, Pappas-Taffer L, Werth VP. Environmental triggers of dermatomyositis: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med. 2021 Mar;9(5):434.
33.
Bax C, Li Y, Ravishankar A, Maddukuri S, Patel J, Yan D, et al. 839 Spirulina stimulates inflammatory cytokine production in dermatomyositis in vitro. J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Jul 1;140(7, Supplement):S109.
34.
Ravishankar A, Bax C, Grinnell M, Yan D, Feng R, Okawa J, et al. 429 Spirulina use and its temporal association with dermatomyositis exacerbation. J Invest Dermatol. 2021 May 1;141(5, Supplement):S74.
35.
Shiue SJ, Cheng CL, Shiue HS, Chen CN, Cheng SW, Wu LW, et al. Arthrospira Enhances Seroclearance in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Receiving Nucleos(t)ide Analogue through Modulation of TNF-α/IFN-γ Profile. Nutrients. 2022 Jul 6;14(14):2790.
| eISSN: | 1898-7516 |
| ISSN: | 1898-2395 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
