An Assessment of Nutritional Value of a Local Strain of Spirulina platensis Using Fish Model

Abstract

Spirulina has the highest protein content among plants on earth. Therefore, it is favoured as a good diet supplement for growth and weight gains of malnourished children and adults, ruminants, weaning piglets, silkworm, fish Tilapia and Broiler chicks. Along with maximum protein content, Spirulina also contains lipids, vitamins, minerals and β carotene. The antioxidant property of β carotene is known to have anti-tumour effects in most animals and human beings. Spirulina feeding therefore prevented oral cancer in rats, whereas its blue pigment (phycocyanin) increased survival rate of mice injected with liver tumour cells, hence improved their immune system. Therapeutic properties such as lowering of cholesterol level in humans as well as alleviating premenstrual syndrome have been documented on Spirulina platensis. Spirulina has also been found effective against deadly viruses such as Herpes simplex virus type-1 and AIDS virus.