3 June 2024 | Valentina Citi, Serenella Torre, Lorenzo Flori, Luca Usai, Nazlim Aktay, Nurhan Turgut Dunford, Giovanni Antonio Lutzu, Paola Nieri
This review explores the nutraceutical properties of phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a major protein in Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), focusing on its health benefits. C-PC, a water-soluble, non-toxic, and vivid blue photosynthetic pigment, is derived from Spirulina and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It is also a key component of the chromophore phycocyanobilin B (PCB-B), which has been linked to various health-promoting effects. The review highlights the potential of C-PC and PCB-B in the nutraceutical market, emphasizing their roles in preventing and treating conditions such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and various diseases. C-PC has been shown to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and modulate inflammatory responses. It also exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, C-PC and PCB-B have demonstrated hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects, as well as hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities. The review also discusses their effects on the eyes, ears, fertility, kidneys, and endothelium, as well as their antimicrobial and anti-HIV properties. Overall, the study suggests that C-PC and PCB-B have significant potential as nutraceuticals for various health applications.This review explores the nutraceutical properties of phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a major protein in Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina), focusing on its health benefits. C-PC, a water-soluble, non-toxic, and vivid blue photosynthetic pigment, is derived from Spirulina and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It is also a key component of the chromophore phycocyanobilin B (PCB-B), which has been linked to various health-promoting effects. The review highlights the potential of C-PC and PCB-B in the nutraceutical market, emphasizing their roles in preventing and treating conditions such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and various diseases. C-PC has been shown to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and modulate inflammatory responses. It also exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis. Additionally, C-PC and PCB-B have demonstrated hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects, as well as hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities. The review also discusses their effects on the eyes, ears, fertility, kidneys, and endothelium, as well as their antimicrobial and anti-HIV properties. Overall, the study suggests that C-PC and PCB-B have significant potential as nutraceuticals for various health applications.