Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Spirulina as a multisystem protective nutraceutical: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential across major organs

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Sama Torkashvand 1, 2
Zahra Nazari Taloki 3, 4
1 Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
2 Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
3 Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
4 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.95949.20694
Abstract
Spirulina has emerged as a promising multisystem nutraceutical with protective potential against organ injury mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Extensive experimental evidence and emerging clinical data suggest that Spirulina and its bioactive constituents, including phycocyanin, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, exert protective effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and reproductive systems. However, existing reviews have largely addressed these organ systems in isolation, without a structured search strategy or an integrated mechanistic view. To address this gap, relevant studies were identified through a structured search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2026) and critically evaluated to synthesize mechanistic and translational evidence on Spirulina’s organ-protective properties across five organ systems within a single framework. Across diverse experimental models, Spirulina consistently attenuates tissue damage induced by environmental toxins, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, radiation, metabolic stress, and age-related processes. These effects are mediated by coordinated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, including activation of the Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, suppression of NF-κB-mediated inflammation, modulation of apoptotic cascades, and preservation of mitochondrial integrity. These mechanisms converge across organ systems. In addition, Spirulina has demonstrated the ability to improve biochemical, histological, and functional parameters associated with organ injury in numerous preclinical studies. However, heterogeneity in study design, dosing regimens, Spirulina formulations, and intervention duration limits the interpretation and generalizability of the findings.Overall, Spirulina is a promising nutraceutical with potential applications in disease prevention and as an adjunctive therapy. Well-designed future clinical trials are warranted to determine optimal dosing strategies, long-term safety, and organ-specific efficacy.
Keywords
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Anti-oxidant
Phycocyanin
Protective agents
Spirulina
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 September 2026