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Bioactive Molecules in Food pp 1621–1642Cite as

Bioactive Molecules of Spirulina: A Food Supplement

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Part of the book series: Reference Series in Phytochemistry ((RSP))

Abstract

Spirulina is a nature’s gift as super food to mankind. It is a photosynthetic filamentous microalga which has emerged as a potent food supplement because of its rich micro- and macronutrient contents. The body of Spirulina is smooth and with weak cell wall that makes it easily digestible. It is a valuable source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, β-carotene, fatty acids, etc. which makes it perfect as food and fodder. NASA has stated that the nutritional value of 1000 kg of fruits and vegetables equals to 1 kg of Spirulina. In 1992 WHO has declared Spirulina as “Best food for future” to redress malnutrition especially in children. Apart from being a food supplement, Spirulina has gained considerable popularity and paramount importance due to the presence of certain pigments and secondary metabolites. It shows pharmacognosic properties like immuno-protective, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-obesity, etc. it is the most nutritionally concentrated compact whole food known which owe a potential to drastically lower the chances of developing cancer, heart disease, or stroke or of contracting a life-threatening virus such as HIV and prevent eyes from cataract formation. Many animal studies in vivo and in vitro and human trials have proved Spirulina to be commercialized and sold for therapeutic purposes. It appears to have a considerable potential for developing a key crop in coastal and alkaline regions where traditional agriculture struggles. Thus, looking at its global nutritional significance, more should be done in culture isolation, purification, and quality control of Spirulina and its products.

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Abbreviations

AIDS:

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

C-PC:

C-phycocyanin

EFA:

essential fatty acid

GLA:

gamma linolenic acid

HIV:

human immunodeficiency virus

IIMSAM:

intergovernmental institution for the use of micro-algae Spirulina against malnutrition

NASA:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NPU:

net protein utilization

PER:

protein efficiency ratio

PUFA:

polyunsaturated fatty acids

WHO:

World Health Organization

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, Mithibai College, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India

    Meeta Mathur

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  1. Meeta Mathur
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Correspondence to Meeta Mathur .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences, University of Bordeaux, Villenave d’Ornon, France

    Jean-Michel Mérillon

  2. Department of Botany, University College of Science, M. L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

    Kishan Gopal Ramawat

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Mathur, M. (2019). Bioactive Molecules of Spirulina: A Food Supplement. In: Mérillon, JM., Ramawat, K.G. (eds) Bioactive Molecules in Food. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78030-6_97

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