Spirulina as immune system potentiator

ABSTRACT

Microalgae usually called "Spirulina" in the literature and in commercial packages have been studied as potential sources of protein for food and feed supplementation. These microalgae are produced industrially worldwide, being recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and accepted by the European Union for human consumption. Apart from a high protein content and balanced amino acid composition, its biomass contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral and anti-microbial activities. Some of these compounds have been determined to boost the immune system and prevent diseases such as hyperglycemia, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. It has also been suggested that the supplementation with Spirulina biomass and/or its extracts could help immune systems to fight different viral infections, including those by SARS-CoV2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19. This immunity boosting activity has been related to the presence of some polysaccharides, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, fatty acids and biopeptides in the biomass. In this context, this chapter will address the boosting effect of the immune system by Spirulina exploring its antiviral activity and respective mechanisms. © 2021 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.