Exploring the Anti-inflammatory Potential of Blue-Green Algae: Formulation and Evaluation of Spirulina Ointment

Abstract

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are a diverse and ancient group of photosynthetic microorganisms that have been of great interest to scientists due to their nutritional, medicinal, and industrial applications. These microbes, some of the oldest organisms on our planet, are currently being discovered as a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds with applications ranging from nutrition to drug discovery. Spirulina and other cyanobacterial genera, in specific, have exhibited strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities and are potential drugs for topical and systemic therapy. Bioactives like phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and carotenoids are key players in exerting these properties and have been effectively added to ointments for better delivery and efficacy. Cyanobacteria exhibit significant utility in promoting human health and possess extensive applications in the field of cosmeceuticals due to their photoprotective properties and skin-regenerative capabilities. Furthermore, they are employed in bioremediation, biofuel generation, and nutraceutical synthesis, thereby constituting a vital component of sustainable biotechnological innovations. Despite these advantages, challenges such as the occurrence of cyanotoxins like microcystins, variability in bioactive compound content, and constraints associated with cultivation underscore the imperative for additional research and standardization efforts. The current investigation aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of the blue-green algae Spirulina, alongside the formulation and evaluation of Spirulina-based ointments. This review endeavors to highlight recent advancements in the anti-inflammatory potential of blue-green algae, with particular focus on the formulation of topical ointments.