Total Phycocyanin
Also known as: Phycocyanin, Spirulina phycocyanin
Overview
Phycocyanin is a blue pigment belonging to the class of phycobiliproteins, derived mainly from cyanobacteria like *Arthrospira platensis* and *Arthrospira maxima*. This water-soluble protein acts as a light-harvesting pigment in these organisms and is widely used for its antioxidant properties in dietary supplements, food coloring, and medical or research applications. Phycocyanin exhibits significant antioxidant activity, is involved in reducing inflammation, and is beneficial for liver health as supported by several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Although research is moderately advanced, its safety profile and efficacy have been substantiated through numerous studies, demonstrating its potential health benefits and applications in various fields.
Benefits
1. **Antioxidant Activity**: Phycocyanin has been shown to enhance total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In a meta-analysis, the effect on TAC was found to be significant (SMD = 0.49; P = .05), showing its effectiveness in combating oxidative stress. 2. **Liver Health**: A double-blind placebo-controlled study indicated a significant reduction in aspartate transaminase (AST) levels after 2 weeks of supplementation at 1 g/day (P < .001), suggesting liver protective benefits. 3. **Anti-inflammatory Effects**: Phycocyanin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, particularly through COX-2 inhibition, although more studies are needed to fully assess this benefit. Studies on platelet function indicated minimal impact, ensuring its safety profile in this regard.
How it works
Phycocyanin primarily functions through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It interacts with the liver by decreasing the levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT and enhances the body's antioxidant defense by upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Additionally, phycocyanin is believed to exert its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-2, which plays a crucial role in inflammation pathways. This combination of actions promotes overall health, particularly in oxidative stress-related conditions and liver function.
Side effects
Phycocyanin is generally recognized as safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in scientific literature. No common side effects (>5%) or uncommon side effects (1-5%) have been identified. Rare side effects (<1%) have also not been documented. Caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant medications due to potential minimal effects on platelet function, though studies have shown these effects to be negligible. There are no specific contraindications, but as with any supplement, individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have chronic health conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of phycocyanin for antioxidant and liver health benefits is approximately 1 g/day, with some studies using 1-2 g/day of phycocyanin-enriched extracts showing positive outcomes. The literature does not establish a maximum safe dosage, but doses up to 2.3 g/day have been tolerated without adverse effects. Optimal timing for supplementation has not been specified, and the use of aqueous extracts is recommended as they may enhance bioavailability. There are no known cofactors required for absorption or efficacy.
FAQs
Is phycocyanin safe to consume?
Yes, phycocyanin is generally considered safe, although individuals on anticoagulant medications should exercise caution.
What is the best time to take phycocyanin?
There are no specific timing recommendations for phycocyanin supplementation.
When can I expect to see benefits from phycocyanin?
Users may expect potential benefits in antioxidant capacity and liver health within a few weeks of starting supplementation.
Does phycocyanin affect platelet function?
Phycocyanin has minimal impact on platelet function as per studies conducted, countering common misconceptions.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.1057201/full – This study concluded a significant reduction in AST levels after supplementation with phycocyanin-enriched extracts. The methodology was rigorous, featuring a randomized, double-blind design with proper statistical analyses, reinforcing the safety and efficacy of phycocyanin.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2015.0143 – A systematic review and meta-analysis of phycocyanin supplementation indicated a significant improvement in total antioxidant status among study subjects, providing high-quality evidence supporting its antioxidant properties.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34235823/ – The laboratory study focused on the fluorescence and antioxidant activity of phycocyanin, emphasizing its potential applications and strong antioxidant capabilities, although its relevance to human health was limited.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1127422/full – This article explores the various health benefits of phycocyanin including its mechanisms of action as an antioxidant and its potential therapeutic uses, thereby contributing to the understanding of its health effects.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.iecr.2c03683 – The research provided insights into the absorption and bioavailability of phycocyanin, indicating it is generally well-absorbed when consumed in aqueous extracts, highlighting its practical applications in supplementation.
Supplements Containing Total Phycocyanin
Green Blends Cleansing Powder
Earthrise
Green Blends Cleansing Powder
Earthrise
Green Blends Cleansing Powder
Earthrise
Spirulina Organic Tablets
Earthrise
Spirulina Organic Tablets
Earthrise
Green Blends Cleansing Caplets
Earthrise
Spirulina 500 mg
Swanson