Spirulina Exhibits Anti-pain, Anti-inflammatory Activity

TAIWAN, Republic of ChinaResults from a recent Chinese study suggest C-phycocyanin (C-PC), such as Spirulina platensis, may offer antihyperalgesic (a lower sensitivity to pain) and anti-inflammatory activity (Anesth Analg. 2009;108(4):1303-10). 
Using a carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia model, the effect of C-PC on nociception was evaluated by measuring paw withdrawal latency. To clarify the mechanisms involved, the expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 and the formation of nitrate and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the rat paw were determined.
Pre- or post-treatment with C-PC (30 or 50 mg/kg, IP) significantly attenuated carrageenan-induced inflammatory nociception and the induction of iNOS and COX-2 at the late phase, (4 hour) accompanied by an inhibition of the formation of TNF-alpha, prostaglandin E(2), nitrate and myeloperoxidase activity. According to researchers, these results suggest the inhibition of NO and prostaglandin E(2) over-production through suppressing iNOS and COX-2 induction and attenuation of TNF-alpha formation and neutrophil infiltration into inflammatory sites by C-PC may contribute, at least in part, to its antihyperalgesic activity.