Algae Spirulina Against Cancer

Spirulina platensis is a cyanobacterium grown in certain countries and used as food for human and animal consumption. Over the last few years, it has been experimentally proven by, in vivo and in vitro studies that Spirulina plantesis is effective in treatment of certain allergies, anemia, cancer, hepatotoxicity, viral and cardio-vascular diseases.

The activities are attributed to spirulina as a whole or to some of its components including fatty acids omega-3 or omega-6, beta-carotene (Chamorro et al., 2002). So, the spirulina have protective effects against environmental mutagens, carcinogens and endogenous mutagens (Premkumar et al., 2004). It is probable, the present study is the first to study the correlation between the effects of spirulina on the induced mammary tumor in rats and the proliferation in this type of cancer.

Also, the present work is in agreement with that of Pardhasardhi et al., 2003 who studied the effects of Spirulina on rat histiocystic tumor line. They reported that Spirulina is a chemotherapeutic agent that causes apoptosis to tumor cells. This is shown in the present investigation by the reduction of the number of malignant cells and its proliferation. Moreover, Premkumar et al., 2004 found that Spirulina which was given by oral route to mice inhibited the genotoxicity induced by cisplatin and urethane.   

Reference: Mashael Mohammed Bin-Meferij, June 2008, Immunohistochemical Study Effects of Spirulina Algae on the Induced Mammary Tumor in Rats, College of Education, Scientific sections, Zoology Dept. Riyadh University For Women, K.S.A

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