Open AccessTHERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF Spirulina AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENIC VIRUSES
Author(s) -
Sharolynne Xiao Tong Liang,
Ling Shing Wong,
Anto Cordelia Tanislaus Antony Dhanapal,
P. Amala Balu,
Sinouvassane Djearamane
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of experimental biology and agricultural sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.108
H-Index - 2
ISSN - 2320-8694
DOI - 10.18006/2021.9(spl-1-gcsgd_2020).s38.s42
Subject(s) - virus , virology , biology , rotavirus , spirulina (dietary supplement) , microbiology and biotechnology , raw material , ecology
Viruses can spread worldwide and the early detection of emerging infectious diseases and outbreaks in humans and animals is important for effective surveillance and prevention. Viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), swine flu, and influenza virus are some of the viruses that spread diseases worldwide. However, the non-availability of effective antiviral drugs and the drug-resistance among the virus and host have become the major problems in controlling viral infections. The natural products from microalgae can be an alternative therapeutic agent to control viral infections in humans. Spirulina is a well-known cyanobacterium that has been consumed by humans as a food supplement for more than centuries without side-effects. Spirulina possesses high nutritional values and provides numerous health benefits to the consumers. Spirulina can be an alternative natural therapeutic agent for numerous virus infections as it contains several bioactive compounds with proven antiviral effect on enveloped viruses (Herpes simplex virus, measles virus, mumps virus) and non-enveloped viruses (astrovirus, rotavirus) by preventing the spread of the virus in the host cells. Spirulina also serves as a natural supplement that strengthens the immune system. This review focuses on the antiviral properties and immunostimulant effects of Spirulina as a potential therapeutic supplement on human health.