Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases

Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases

25 February 2024 | Valeria Prete, Angela Carmelita Abate, Paola Di Pietro, Massimiliano De Lucia, Carmine Vecchione, and Albino Carrizzo
Spirulina, a blue-green cyanobacterium known as Arthrospira platensis, is classified as a "superfood" due to its high nutritional value, including protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive pigments. It has been used globally as a nutraceutical supplement and is recognized as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Recent studies highlight its potential in managing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by improving cardio- and cerebrovascular health through its antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. In hypertension, clinical trials show that Spirulina supplementation significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Animal studies also demonstrate its antihypertensive effects, with Spirulina-derived peptides modulating the renin-angiotensin system and improving vascular function. These findings suggest that Spirulina can be a complementary therapy for hypertension. In diabetes, Spirulina has shown hypoglycemic effects in clinical trials, improving glycemic parameters such as HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Animal studies indicate that Spirulina enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces glucose levels, and improves liver function. The mechanisms involve insulin secretion, glucose transport, and antioxidant activity. In hyperlipidemia, Spirulina reduces LDL-C, triglycerides, and increases HDL-C levels. Clinical and animal studies demonstrate its lipid-lowering effects, with Spirulina improving lipid profiles and reducing atherosclerosis risk. The mechanisms include lipid metabolism regulation, antioxidant activity, and modulation of gut microbiota. Overall, Spirulina shows promise as a nutraceutical for managing CVD risk factors. However, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in diverse populations and to establish standardized dosing and treatment durations. Despite its potential, more studies are required to fully understand its therapeutic role in cardiovascular health.Spirulina, a blue-green cyanobacterium known as Arthrospira platensis, is classified as a "superfood" due to its high nutritional value, including protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive pigments. It has been used globally as a nutraceutical supplement and is recognized as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Recent studies highlight its potential in managing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by improving cardio- and cerebrovascular health through its antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. In hypertension, clinical trials show that Spirulina supplementation significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Animal studies also demonstrate its antihypertensive effects, with Spirulina-derived peptides modulating the renin-angiotensin system and improving vascular function. These findings suggest that Spirulina can be a complementary therapy for hypertension. In diabetes, Spirulina has shown hypoglycemic effects in clinical trials, improving glycemic parameters such as HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels. Animal studies indicate that Spirulina enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces glucose levels, and improves liver function. The mechanisms involve insulin secretion, glucose transport, and antioxidant activity. In hyperlipidemia, Spirulina reduces LDL-C, triglycerides, and increases HDL-C levels. Clinical and animal studies demonstrate its lipid-lowering effects, with Spirulina improving lipid profiles and reducing atherosclerosis risk. The mechanisms include lipid metabolism regulation, antioxidant activity, and modulation of gut microbiota. Overall, Spirulina shows promise as a nutraceutical for managing CVD risk factors. However, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in diverse populations and to establish standardized dosing and treatment durations. Despite its potential, more studies are required to fully understand its therapeutic role in cardiovascular health.
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Understanding Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases