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Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms)

Phycocyanin Extract Shows Promise as Multifunctional Therapeutic Agent

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University have conducted a study evaluating the potential of phycocyanin extract from Spirulina platensis as a multifunctional therapeutic agent. The investigation aimed to assess its effects on various health parameters, including diabetes, oxidative stress, cancer, and microbial infections. The study revealed that the extract demonstrated robust antioxidant activity, inhibited cancer cell growth, suppressed pathogenic microbes, and exhibited antiviral properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The phycocyanin extract from Spirulina platensis was found to have a high concentration of active compounds, particularly C-Phycocyanin (1.2 mg/g).
  • The extract showed significant antioxidant activity, scavenging 92% of DPPH radicals, and inhibited breast cancer cell line growth by 81%.
  • The extract exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-1 and influenza A (H1N1) viruses, with IC50 values of 42.5 mg/mL and 50.3 mg/mL, respectively.
  • The study involved 200 rats divided into control, dithizone, PE-treated, and dithizone + PE groups for 30 days, and found that PE treatment resulted in improved glucose control, reduced HbA1c, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and favorable changes in gut bacteria.
  • The extract was found to downregulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and precancerous markers, including BCL-2, Nrf-2, OH, b-actin, IL-1b, TNF-a, BAX, and Casp-3.
  • Histological examination revealed improved pancreatic and hepatic structure, and overall growth performance and blood profiles were enhanced.
  • The researchers concluded that phycocyanin extract mitigates metabolic disturbances caused by dithizone and shows promise as an antiviral agent, supporting its potential in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Statistics:

  • 92%: the percentage of DPPH radicals scavenged by the phycocyanin extract.
  • 81%: the percentage of breast cancer cell line growth inhibited by the extract.
  • 42.5 mg/mL: the IC50 value of the extract against HSV-1 virus.
  • 50.3 mg/mL: the IC50 value of the extract against influenza A (H1N1) virus.
  • 65%: the reduction in plaque formation caused by the extract against HSV-1 virus.
  • 58%: the reduction in viral load caused by the extract against influenza A (H1N1) virus.
  • 75%: the reduction in a-glucosidase activity caused by the extract.
  • 80%: the reduction in a-amylase activity caused by the extract.

Sources:

  • Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, 2025, 31(5):619-634. (Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi - http://vetdergi.kafkas.edu.tr)
  • NewsRx, Researchers from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Discuss Findings in Anticancer Agents (Evaluating the multifunctional therapeutic potential of phycocyanin: antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects on defense ...). Cancer Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 473.

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