According to a team of Scottish researchers, it would be possible to use the antiviral properties of certain molecules derived from spirulina to fight against common viral diseases (colds, Covid, flu).
- Although its mechanism of action is still under investigation, according to some studies, spirulina would boost the immune system.
- It may also help with weight control and normal blood sugar levels.
Could seaweed allow us to cure colds and Covid in the future? Scottish researchers have studied the possibility of turning the waste molecules of spirulina into a treatment for colds, Covid and flu viruses, saying they have obtained “promising initial results”as relayed by the American media Study Finds.
Spirulina, a “super food” with multiple virtues
Considered by many to be a “super food”, spirulina has been used as a food supplement or coloring agent for several years. Marketed in the form of dehydrated powder, in capsules, tablets or sometimes fresh, this filamentous cyanobacterium (bacteria attached to each other forming an organism in its own right) of blue-green color, often wrongly considered as an algae, is particularly known to provide high-quality protein, including a plant protein called phycocyanin, which is said to have antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting properties. It is also an excellent source of iron, also contains vitamins A, E, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B8 and K as well as minerals and trace elements: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc , sodium, manganese, chromium, copper, potassium and selenium.
By separating the molecules into different chemical groups, the researchers identified the most effective antiviral extracts against the Covid, cold and flu viruses. “Through this, we have identified compounds that could be particularly effective against a wide range of viruses from what was previously considered waste. We can now work on the recovery and purification of these molecules as high added value ingredients”said Joe Palmer, development manager of ScotBio, whose remarks were relayed by Study Finds.
These molecules could help fight future pandemics
ScotBio is a biotechnology company based in Livingston, Scotland that creates natural dyes, vegetable proteins and nutritional ingredients used by the food, cosmetics, textiles and pharmaceutical industries and seeks to exploit the antiviral properties of new molecules. For this study, the company collaborated with the University of Edinburgh, Robert Gordon University and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Center (IBioIC).
“The next step for us is to better understand the market opportunities for these molecules and to fully resolve the relationship between the chemistry of the molecules and their antiviral mechanisms.adds Joe Palmer. Our goal is for this project to be a catalyst that will unlock a vast untapped market, helping to combat common viruses and future pandemics.”
