Authors: Khan, Z.; Bhadouria, P.; Bisen, P. S.

Source: Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 6, Number 5, October 2005 , pp. 373-379(7)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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.

Keywords: spirulina platensis; ca-sp; sulpholipid; cyanovirin-n; phycocyanin; beta-carotene; hiv; immunomodulatory

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920105774370607

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biotechnology, J.C. Bose Institute of Life Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi 284128, U.P., India.

Publication date: 2005-10-01

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• Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Each issue of the journal contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics in both pre-clinical and clinical areas of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is an essential journal for academic, clinical, government and pharmaceutical scientists who wish to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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