Abstract

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.