Review for uses and therapeutic effects of spirulina, Spirulinaplatensis microalgae

Spirulina is a filamentous cyanobacteria with many applications in food and drug industries, as a food in human,aquaculture, vet and poultry industries. Semi and mass culture of Spirulina carries out in different countries. itcontains large amounts of protein (۷۰% dry weight), carotenoid (۴۰۰۰ mg/kg), ( omega-۳ and omega-۶polyunsaturated fatty acids ,gamma linolenic acid (GLA), sulfolipids, glycolipids, polysaccharides, provitamins;vitamin A vitamin E, various B vitamins; and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese,potassium, zinc and selenium. Pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that Spirulina has certain therapeutic effectssuch as reduction in blood cholesterol, protection against some cancers, enhancement of the immune system,increase of intestinal lactobacilli, reduction of nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs, radiation protection,reduction of hyperlipidemia and obesity. In this paper, uses and therapeutic effect of spirulina have been reviewedaccording to new researches.