AntiInflammatory Potential in Experimental Models of Phycocyanin Obtained from Spirulina platensis through a Green Method

Author : Krastena Nikolova, Plamen Zagorchev, Vesela Kokova

Abstract :Phycocyanin (PC) is a water-soluble biliprotein derived from Spirulina platensis, which, beyond its photosynthetic function, exhibits distinct biological activities of pharmacological significance. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of phycocyanin extracted from Spirulina platensis using modern green extraction techniques on experimental models. Phycocyanin was isolated by ultrasonic extraction at 40 °C and 40 kHz, followed by purification and lyophilization, yielding 14.88 mg/g with a purity index of 1.60. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties, histamine- and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models were used. Oral administration of PC at doses of 50, 200, and 300 mg/kg bw resulted in a statistically significant, dose-dependent inhibition of inflammatory edema. The observed activity is probably associated with modulation of TLR and NF-κB signaling pathways, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. These results confirm that phycocyanin, extracted by an environmentally friendly method, combines high safety with marked anti inflammatory potential. These features position it as a promising candidate for the development of nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical products targeting inflammatory disorders

Keywords :Phycocyanin, Spirulina platensis, anti-inflammatory potential, rat paw edema.

Conference Name :International Conference on Agriculture, Forest, Food, Food Sciences and Technologies (ICAF3T-25)

Conference Place Malaga,Spain

Conference Date 19th Nov 2025