Comprehensive review of the latest investigations of the health-enhancing effects of selected properties of arthrospira and spirulina microalgae on skin

Mirosława, Chwil (author), Mihelič, Rok (author), Matraszek-Gawron, Renata (author), Terlecka, Paulina (author), Skoczylas, Michał M. (author), Terlecki, Karol (author)

Arthospira platensis and Spirulina platensis microalgae are a rich source of pro-health metabolites (% d.m.): proteins (50.0–71.3/46.0–63.0), carbohydrates (16.0–20.0/12.0–17.0), fats (0.9– 14.2/6.4–14.3), polyphenolic compounds and phenols (7.3–33.2/7.8–44.5 and 4.2/0.3 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (1.9/0.2 QUE/g) used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. This review summarises the research on the chemical profile, therapeutic effects in dermatological problems, application of Arthrospira and Spirulina microalgae, and contraindications to their use. The prohealth properties of these microalgae were analysed based on the relevant literature from 2019 to 2024. The antiviral mechanism of microalgal activity involves the inhibition of viral replication and enhancement of immunity. The anti-acne activity is attributed to alkaloids, alkanes, phenols, alkenes, phycocyanins, phthalates, tannins, carboxylic and phthalic acids, saponins, and steroids. The antibacterial activity generally depends on the components and structure of the bacterial cell wall. Their healing effect results from the inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic processes, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulation of angiogenesis, and proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The photoprotective action is regulated by amino acids, phlorotannins, carotenoids, mycosporins, and polyphenols inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and free oxygen radicals in fibroblasts and the stimulation of collagen production. Microalgae are promising molecular ingredients in innovative formulations of parapharmaceuticals and cosmetics used in the prophylaxis and therapy of dermatological problems. This review shows the application of spirulina-based commercial skin-care products as well as the safety and contraindications of spirulina use. Furthermore, the main directions for future studies of the pro-health suitability of microalgae exerting multidirectional effects on human skin are presented.

• Language: English
• Keywords: spirulina and phytotherapy, antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, antiviral activity, anti-acne effect, exfoliating effect, wound healing, photoprotection, skin aging, chemical profile and contraindications
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: 38 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 17, no. 10, art. 1321
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-163634
• UDC: 615
• ISSN on article: 1424-8247
• DOI: 10.3390/ph17101321
• COBISS.SI-ID: 210902275
• Publication date in RUL: 09.10.2024

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Pharmaceuticals
• Shortened title: Pharmaceuticals
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1424-8247
• COBISS.SI-ID: 517582617

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: Arthospira platensis, Spirulina platensis, mikroalge, terapevtski učinek, kozmetika

Projects

• Funder: Other - Other funder or multiple funders
• Funding programme: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland
• Name: statutory activities of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin