Spirulina platensis from Nomayos: a potential health food for the management of COVID-19 infection

The proteins (37%), carbohydrates (24.4%) and lipids (30.1%) contents of S. platensis from Nomayos provide the body with its structural and energy needs for about 518.8 Kcal per 100g of spirulina. Polyphenols (56.4 mEq. QE / g ES.), flavanols (13.2 mEq. QE / g ES.) flavonoids (21.2 mEq. QE / g ES.), carotenoids (3, 8%) and phycocyanin (16.15%) is responsible of its antioxidant capacities (7.5 + 0.33 mg eq. Vit C/g ES) and for a significant decrease in malondialdehyde MDA (< 0.001) concentration. Zinc (25 mG/Kg), Iron (256 mG/Kg), Selenium (1.24 mG/Kg), Manganese (23mG/Kg) and Copper (28.95 mG/Kg) reinforce this antioxidant power because they are cofactors of enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Peroxidase, Catalase) which ensure the fight against free radicals. The presence of phycocyanin is an asset for the anti-inflammatory action. The significant decrease in IL-8 (p < 0.001) and TNF alpha (p < 0.04) levels confirms this property. On the other hand, the nonsignificant increase in Il-6 (1.56 to 2.18 pg/m;p > 0.05) would be partly responsible for the rise in CD4 levels (p < 0.001) and the reduction in viral load in immune deficiency patients (p = 0.000) supplemented with spirulina. In conclusion, S. platensis from Nomayos by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulatory properties would be a good supplement food for subjects at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19.

Spirulina for Protection Against COVID-19 via Regulating ACE2, FNDC5, and NLRP3: A Triple-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Obese Adults

Background: Spirulina may protect individuals against viral infections and promote health in obese subjects. This study is designed to investigate the impacts of spirulina on obesity to find a hope to protect this population against COVID-19. Material(s) and Method(s): In a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial, 24 obese subjects (Mean age: 44.83+/-3.04 years;mean weight: 111.95+/-22.55kg;body mass index (BMI): 40.31+/-6.03kg/m2) were randomly allocated to spirulina (n=12) or control (Co, n=12) groups. Spirulina was administered 2 gr/day for 8 weeks and the Co group received a placebo for a similar period. Before and after the administration of spirulina, the anthropometric measurements were calculated for each subject. Furthermore, ACE2, NLRP3, and FNDC5 gene expression were examined in adults with obesity. Result(s): Our findings demonstrated that spirulina could not effective in normalizing body weight (BW), BMI, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). Spirulina administration significantly upregulated the gene expression of FNDC5 and significantly reduced NLRP3 and ACE2 gene expression in obese subjects compared with the Co-group. Furthermore, by increasing FNDC5 the gene expression of NLRP3 and ACE2 was significantly reduced. Conclusion(s): While administration of spirulina for eight weeks could not affect the anthropometric measurements, it showed the greatest impact on the gene expression of NLRP3, ACE2, and FNDC5, emplacing its potential in the protection of obese cases against COVID-19.Copyright © 2023 Journal of Cellular & Molecular Anesthesia. All rights reserved.

Self-medication Practices for COVID-19 Prevention: A Study among Medical Students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the interest in self-care strategies, including self-medication. Medical students, as future health practitioners, learn more about medications than other students. This study aimed to describe self-medication practices for preventing COVID-19 among medical students at Universitas Islam Indonesia. This observational study used a cross-sectional design and was undertaken in November- December 2020. The study sample included 336 undergraduate medical students determined using a consecutive sampling technique based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using an online questionnaire about self-medication practices in the preceding 3 months. Among a total of 336 students, 137 (41%) reported using self-medication intending to prevent COVID-19, and 126 (92%) of these 137 took preventive supplements, mainly vitamins C, D, and E, and omega-3. Seven students reported the use of zinc, mainly in combination with other vitamins. Students who practiced self-medication lived closer to people confirmed with COVID-19, washed their hands more often, and desinfected their belongings more frequently than their counterparts (p<0.05). The mean duration for consuming vitamins was 11-16 days. Forty students (29%) used herbal medicine to prevent COVID-19;ginger, turmeric, honey, black seed, cutcherry, and Curcuma were the most often consumed herbal remedies. Fourteen students (10%) reported taking over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms related to COVID-19, including antipyretic, analgesic, antiseptic, antihistamine, decongestant, antitussive, and expectorant medications. Most respondents (82%) purchased their medications at pharmacies, and 11 (9%) obtained them from online shops. These findings show the high rate of self-medication using vitamins and herbal remedies for COVID-19 prevention among university medical students. Further studies are needed to explore students' knowledge about the risks of self-medication including the use of herbal medicines.Copyright © 2022 Marmara University Press.

Antiinflammatory Activities of Curcumin and Spirulina: Focus on Their Role against COVID-19.

Nutraceuticals have for several years aroused the interest of researchers for their countless properties, including the management of viral infections. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies and research on the antiviral properties of nutraceuticals have greatly increased. More specifically, over the past two years, researchers have focused on analyzing the possible role of nutraceuticals in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19. Among nutraceuticals, turmeric, extracted from the rhizome of the Curcuma Longa plant, and spirulina, commercial name of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis, have assumed considerable importance in recent years. The purpose of this review is to collect, through a search of the most recent articles on Pubmed, the scientific evidence on the role of these two compounds in the fight against COVID-19. In the last two years many hypotheses, some confirmed by clinical and experimental studies, have been made on the possible use of turmeric against COVID-19, while on spirulina and its possible role against SARS-CoV-2 infection information is much less. The demonstrated antiviral properties of spirulina and the fact that these cyanobacteria may modulate or modify some mechanisms also involved in the onset of COVID-19, lead us to think that it may have the same importance as curcumin in fighting this disease and to speculate on the possible combined use of these two substances to obtain a synergistic effect.

Potential of algae-derived bioactive molecules for cure of SARS-CoV-2

The exploration for various effective antiviral agents is pressing issue regarding the histrionic circumstances of the global COVID pandemic, a blowout of SARS-CoV-2 virus disease. Actual antiviral remedies are not existing at present and the agreed remedy available for COVID somewhat has not been well recognized yet. In these circumstances, there is a need of more consideration which should be given to the exploration for all possible antiviral agents existing in nature. Though, the algae (marine/fresh water) are one of the richest reservoirs of bioactive complexes yet they are sporadically been studied as antiviral agents. In past, the bioactive compounds of algal origin have demonstrated remarkable in vitro antiviral activity against the HIV and HCV. The present article recapitulates the antiviral possessions of algae or their extracts that have been studied in several in vitro/in vivo animal system-based studies, with the aim that the vast algal diversity should get the due attentions related to the deterrence of SARS-CoV-2.

Spirulina: A daily support to our immune system

In recent years, the various health benefits of Cyanobacteria microalgae - such as Arthrospira platensis, commonly called Spirulina, an edible blue-green algae - have attracted scientific attention including micro-level examinations of its bioactive components. As a whole food and nutritional supplement, it serves as a plant protein source, which has shown positive effects across a wide range of human health concerns, from malnutrition to metabolic syndrome. Spirulina bioactives, such as essential amino acids, phycocyanin, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and chlorophyll, and essential vitamins and trace minerals, are responsible for its holistic actions against oxidative stress and inflammation, and its antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-modulating effects. Various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments have established Spirulina's mechanism of action and its effect on immunity as a proof of concept. The phenolic compounds and extracellular metabolites released from Spirulina whole food after digestion are postulated to strengthen the epithelial lining with antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria, adding to its prebiotic effect on the gut microbiota (like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) due to its fiber content. In this study, the digestibility of Spirulina was assessed by the determination of free amino acids and peptide release during the each phase of digestion in a simulated static digestive model system. The hypothesis bridging poor gut health to low-level inflammation and metabolic syndrome, and the potential to address those issues with nutritional supplementation, such as with Spirulina, could also be beneficial in the long run to reduce comorbid illnesses, such as those associated with the currently prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Canada India Healthcare Summit 2021: Executive Overview

The Canada India Health-care Summit 2021, ("CIHS 2021"), is the 3rd Summit, focusing on healthcare, organized by Canada India Foundation, as part of an ongoing series of thematic Canada India Forums, to highlight opportunities for collaboration between Canada and India in key strategic sectors and make public policy recommendations to the respective governments. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network and the Consulate General of India in Toronto were co-organizers of the Summit. CIHS 2021 was focused on three themes: (1) artificial intelligence and its contribution to overcome COVID-19, (2) biotechnology and its contribution to overcome COVID-19, and (3) pandemic responses and initiatives. The Summit was held on May 20, 2021-May 21, 2021, and was preceded by three webinars. More than 60 healthcare experts and government leaders spoke at the Summit, to nearly 500 virtual attendees. A full report of the Summit with specific policy recommendations was made to the Canadian and Indian governments.

Spirulina (Arthrospira Spp) as A Complementary Covid-19 Response Option: Early Evidence of Promise

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a profound threat to human health across the world. A growing body of evidence suggests that dietary choice can support pandemic response efforts. This paper asks whether spirulina, a type of edible microalgae, may offer a means of reducing COVID-19 risk. This question follows from spirulina's observed antiviral effects vis-a-vis other viral diseases. Questions about possible complementary therapies remain important due to the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, given major gaps to vaccine rollout and the proliferation of mutant variants. The paper is based on a narrative review of the academic literature relevant to this question. The 25 papers identified were grouped and summarised, then discussed. The evidence reported suggests spirulina may have prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via several pathways, though further investigation is needed to verify the linkages identified. Incorporating spirulina into diet might thus offer a way to lower COVID-19 risk. This option may moreover be particularly helpful for at-risk populations, such as those in the Global South where many remain unvaccinated and food insecurity is widespread. This review reports findings in non-technical language and could inform actions by diverse stakeholders, including researchers, governments and households.

Lipid Lowering Effects of Herbal Supplements: A Review

As cardiovascular diseases are still a major cause of death in most countries, it is still relevant to look into treatment of such diseases. Dyslipidemia is one of the important identified risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. As this is largely driven by lifestyle and diet, it may be difficult to control it with lifestyle modifications alone. Currently, Statins remains to be the mainstay therapy for dyslipidemia but this is also met by problems within certain patient population. The drug may be contraindicated in certain patient groups;some patients tend to not respond to Statins;while certain patients may not tolerate the adverse events. This study looked into available literature on studies done on dyslipidemia using plant-based formulations using randomized clinical trial. Based on the review conducted, there are several plant-based formations with potential to be similar in efficacy to Statins. Some of the plants used are abundant or may be easily sourced. With the increasing popularity of food supplements or nutraceuticals, exploration on the potential of plant-based products is attractive. Despite the promising results of some studies, these will need further investigations and targeting a larger population size. Formulation options may need to be explored also focused on its stability. © RJPT All right reserved.

Photosynthetically Controlled Spirulina, but Not Solar Spirulina, Inhibits TNF-α Secretion: Potential Implications for COVID-19-Related Cytokine Storm Therapy.

An array of infections, including the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), trigger macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and subsequently hypercytokinemia, commonly referred to as a cytokine storm (CS). It is postulated that CS is mainly responsible for critical COVID-19 cases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recognizing the therapeutic potential of Spirulina blue-green algae (Arthrospira platensis), in this in vitro stimulation study, LPS-activated macrophages and monocytes were treated with aqueous extracts of Spirulina, cultivated in either natural or controlled light conditions. We report that an extract of photosynthetically controlled Spirulina (LED Spirulina), at a concentration of 0.1 µg/mL, decreases macrophage and monocyte-induced TNF-α secretion levels by over 70% and 40%, respectively. We propose prompt in vivo studies in animal models and human subjects to determine the putative effectiveness of a natural, algae-based treatment for viral CS and ARDS, and explore the potential of a novel anti-TNF-α therapy.