ABSTRACT
The effect of incorporation of Spirulina platensis is in high fat diets on liver and serum cholesterol levels and serum enzymes was investigated in albino rats. Rats were given high fat diet for a period of 21 days followed by the experimental diets containing algae 100mg and 250mg/rat/day for a period of 35 days. One group of rats was used as control I [fed with basal diet], the other group used as control 1 [fed with high fat diet] for a period of 56days. Basal diet was used for comparison. Upon feeding diets containing algae the activity of the hepatic enzymes like alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphates increased. The activity was more pronounced in rats fed with high amounts of algae. There was marginal increase in the serum protein levels of rats fed with algae. Significant differences were not noticed in the serum and liver cholesterol levels
Subject(s)
Diet , Enzymes , RatsABSTRACT
The effect of eleven pesticides on the growth of blue green alga Spirulina platens is in indoor cultures has been studied. There was a dose-dependent growth inhibition of this alga as a result of pesticide exposure at a dose level ranged from 0.5 to 25ppm. Copper sulfate was the most toxic at all levels being tested. Sevin and Sumithion inhibited growth at 5ppm and y-BHC at 10ppm on fifth day. A marked retardation of growth was observed with Pirimi-phosmethyl at 10ppm and Malathion at 20ppm. Spirulina showed tolerance to 25ppm of Bromophos and Heptachlor and to certain extent beta-BHC and DDT. As the inputs for Spirulina culturing and maintenance are simple, economical, and rapid, this alga could have a probable diagnostic value as an indicator of pesticide pollution in water