Spirulina platensis (Spirulina) is a single celled spiral-shaped blue-green alga from the Oscillatoriaceae family of algae. Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients and is particularly rich in chlorophyll, β-carotene, phycocyanin, and minerals. Supplements of spirulina are available as tablets, capsules and powders. The neuroprotective effects of spirulina have been investigated in animal models. And in this regard administration of spirulina to rats has been observed to provide significant neuroprotective effects. In one study, spirulina was administered to pregnant rats along with a dose of sodium fluoride. The sodium fluoride was administered to cause neurological and behavioural changes in the rat pups when they were born. The spirulina was significantly effective at preventing the normal damage seen from administration of sodium fluoride, and in this regard ameliorated the behavioural changes, neurotoxic effects and oxidative stress normally seen. The spirulina was also effective at displacing fluoride from rat tissue.
Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, many of which act as antioxidants. These antioxidant may protect from disease, and may act as neuroprotective agents.
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