Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima.
Spirulina maxima, which is used as a food additive, is a microalga rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Spirulina contains phenolic acids, tocopherols and beta-carotene which are known to exhibit antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a Spirulina extract. The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Spirulina was determined in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was tested on a brain homogenate incubated with and without the extract at 37 degrees C. The IC50 (concentration which causes a 50% reduction of oxidation) of the extract in this system was 0.18 mg/ml. The in vivo antioxidant capacity was evaluated in plasma and liver of animals receiving a daily dose of 5 mg for 2 and 7 weeks. Plasma antioxidant capacity was measured in brain homogenate incubated for 1 h at 37 degrees C. The production of oxidized compounds in liver after 2 h of incubation at 37 degrees C was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARS) in control and experimental groups. Upon treatment, the antioxidant capacity of plasma was 71% for the experimental group and 54% for the control group. Data from liver spontaneous peroxidation studies were not significantly different between groups. The amounts of phenolic acids, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene were determined in Spirulina extracts. The results obtained indicate that Spirulina provides some antioxidant protection for both in vitro and in vivo systems.
Miranda
M S
MS
Faculdade de Farmácia e Bioquímica, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brasil.
Cintra
R G
RG
Barros
S B
SB
Mancini Filho
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000378:metabolism*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D019207:beta Carotene; D014810:Vitamin E