PHARMACEUTICALS BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SPIRULINA SP. A REVIEW
*Kore K. J. and Wakte P. S.
Abstract
Spirulina is a multicellular, free floating, microscopic filamentous
cyanobacterium. Spirulina now named Arthrospira is used as food in
Mexico, central Africa from prolonged period. It was still being used
as a food into the native population of Chad area obtained from the
small lakes. It’s collected and sun dried and further cut into small
pieces and utilized in dried form known as dihe. Spirulina is a
ubiquitous organism found in variety of environments like soil, sand,
brackish water, sea water, fresh water etc. Spirulina possesses high
contents of proteins, Gamma linolenic acid, vitamins, lipids and
minerals showing functional biological activities hence it may be promising drugs treatment
and prevention of many diseases. The present review has focused on the different bioactive
compounds which are present in spirulina namely, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins,
minerals, nucleic acids, antioxidants, pigments and enzymes for pharmaceutical and
healthcare purposes.
Keywords: Spirulina, Bioactive molecules, Pharmaceutical applications.
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