Abstract

A REVIEW: BIOACTIVE NUTRIENTS OF ARTHROSPIRA SPECIES AND IT’S ACTIVITY

Vanita G. Temgire* and Pratima S. Shinde

ABSTRACT

Spirulina is a single-cell protein rich in all important nutrients and vitamins and can be used to produce functional bioactive food. The natural products of cyanobacteria are an essential source of new pharmaceutical drug compounds. Natural bioactive products have medicinal value themselves and also used as building models to create synthetic analogs. The chemical composition of Spirulina includes protein (70-55%), carbohydrates (25-25%), essential fatty acids (18%), vitamins, minerals, and also pigments such as carotene, chlorophyll A and phycocyanin. The attainment of the nutrition related sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a challenge to South Africa. Part of the challenge is related to access to affordable nutrition by poor communities. Spirulina presents with much nutritional benefits including 50 to 70% protein, and all essential amino acids in complete balance, 5 to 10% lipids and 10 to 20% carbohydrates, 10 vitamins especially vitamin B12 and pro-vitamin A (β-carotene), minerals such as iron and one of the few sources of dietary γ-linolenic acid (GLA). Health factors linked to Spirulina include anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic as well as antioxidant properties. In this review, we have discussed the important component, bioactive properties, and immunological applications of Arthrospira species. The present research suggests that spirulina supplementations have been accepted by global accreditation as a safe for nutritional and dietary supplement for human.

Keywords: Bioactive, Nutrients, Dietary Supplements, Immunomodulation.