• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.414-421
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Spirulina level in the diet on growth and skin color of red- and white-colored fancy carp Cyprinus carpio var. koi at different feeding periods. Five experimental diets (designated as Con, S5, S9, S13 and S17) were prepared to contain 0, 5, 9, 13 and 17% Spirulina. Each experimental diet was fed to two replicate groups of fish (6.6 g/fish) to visual satiation three times a day for 12 weeks. Weight gain and feed efficiency of fish were not affected by dietary Spirulina level. The values of redness ($a^*$), lightness ($L^*$) and yellowness ($b^*$) of the fish skin were influenced by dietary Spirulina level at different feeding period. The $L^*$ value of skin in the fish fed S9, S13 and S17 diets tended to decrease with feeding period. The skin $a^*$ value of the fish increased significantly with feeding period and dietary Spirulina level. The skin $a^*$ value of the fish fed the diets containing 5-17% Spirulina was higher than that of fish fed control diet at 6 and 12 weeks of feeding. The skin $a^*$ value and total carotenoids of the fish fed the S17 diet was the highest among groups. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that dietary inclusion of Spirulina powder could increase the skin redness of red- and white-colored fancy carp.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.899-904
• /
• 2008

Dasik is a type of Korean traditional confectionery that is kneaded with various grains, nuts or herb flour and honey and then pressed with a decorative press. Soybeans are a rich in protein, lipids, dietary fiber, minerals and fat soluble vitamins. Spirulina is a functional food that contains protein, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber and pigments. In this study, soybean Dasik containing spirulina was developed in an attempt to provide an easy method of incorporating spirulina into daily dietary life. In addition, we evaluated the quality characteristics of the soybean Dasik with spirulina that was developed here. Specifically, 0, 10, 20 and 30% spirulina was added to the soybean powder that was used to prepare soybean Dasik. Soybean Dasik that contained 30% spirulina had a higher moisture content and lower hardness when compared to other groups. In addition, the L, a and b value decreased as the level of spirulina increased. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of soybean Dasik increased according to the increase in the addition of spirulina. Specifically, the $IC_{50}$ values of the DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the control group were 76.6 mg/mL and 100.7 mg/mL, respectively, whereas these values were 26.3 mg/mL and 32.9 mg/mL, respectively, in Soybean Dasik that contained 30% spirulina. When a sensory evaluation was conducted, the overall preference decreased as the level of added spirulina increased. When the buying intension was evaluated, the control group had the highest score (7.8), followed by that of the Dasik that contained 20% spirulina (7.2) The buying intention was lowest for the Dasik that contained 30% spirulina. In conclusion, Soybean Dasik that contained up to 20% spirulina would be maketable.

• Nutritional Sciences
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.31-34
• /
• 2004

This paper reviews the effects of Spirulina platensis and its extracts and phycocyanin, a blue photosynthetic pigment protein in Spirulina on the mucosal immune functions in humans and animals as follows: TEX>$\bullet$ IgA antibody response and other classes in mucosal immunity of mice treated with Spirulina platensis and its extract. $\bullet$ Effect of Spirulina phycocyanin ingestion on the mucosal antibody responses in mice. - Distinct effects of phycocyanin on secretory IgA and allergic IgE antibody responses in mice following oral immunization with antigen-entrapped biodegradable microparticles. $\bullet$ Influence of dietary Spirulina platensis on IgA level in human saliva. $\bullet$ A study on enhancement of bone-marrow cell-proliferation and differentiation by Spirulina platensis in mice: in vivo and in vitro study

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.290-299
• /
• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Spirulina is a known a functional food related to lipid profiles, immune functions, and antioxidant capacity. Circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) level is associated with inflammation markers. Single nucleotide polymorphism in the MCP-1 promoter region -2518 have been identified and shown to affect gene transcription. Gene variation may also impact functional food supplementary effects. The current study investigated the interaction of MCP-1 -2518 polymorphism with spirulina supplements on anti-inflammatory capacity in Korean elderly. SUBJECTS/METHODS: After genotyping, healthy elderly subjects (n = 78) were included in a randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled study. Baseline characteristic, body composition, and dietary intake were measured twice (baseline vs. week 16). For 16 weeks, subjects consumed 8 g either spirulina or placebo daily. Plasma MCP-1, interleukin (IL) -2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, complement (C) 3, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and Ig A concentrations and lymphocyte proliferation rate (LPR) were analyzed as inflammatory markers. RESULTS: In the placebo group with A/A genotype, MCP-1 level was significantly increased, but the spirulina group with A/A genotype was unchanged. IL-2 was significantly increased only in subjects with spirulina supplementation. TNF-${\alpha}$ was significantly reduced in subjects with the G carrier. C3 was significantly increased in the placebo group, particularly when A/A increased more than G, but not when spirulina was ingested. LPR was significantly different only in subjects with A/A genotype; there was a significant increase in phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide induced LPR in the spirulina group. CONCLUSION: In healthy Korean elderly, spirulina supplementation may influence different inflammatory markers by the MCP-1 genotype. These results may be useful for customized dietary guidelines to improve immune function in Koreans.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.295-300
• /
• 2008

Spirulina is a microscopic and filamentous cyanobacterium that contains essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidative components. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of spirulina intervention in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The subjects were 37 type 2 diabetic patients who visited a diabetic clinic in Seoul and randomly assigned into spirulina (8 g/day) or control group. During the intervention period of 12 weeks, subjects were asked to keep usual diet and prohibited to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Spirulina supplementation for 12 weeks did not affect anthropometric parameters, however, lowered plasma triglycerides level significantly (p<0.05). Spirulina supplementation also resulted in a significant reduction in plasma malondialdehyde level (p<0.05) and an increase in plasma adiponectin level (p<0.1). The lipid lowering effect of spirulina supplementation was different according to serum lipid levels of the subjects before entering the intervention. The subjects with higher initial triglyceride level showed higher reduction in plasma triglyceride and blood pressure. The subjects with higher initial total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level showed higher reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, IL-6, and blood pressure. It seems that spirulina supplementation is more effective in subjects with dyslipidemia. This study provides the evidence for beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on blood lipid profiles, inflammatory variables, and antioxidant capacity in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that spirulina is a promising agent as a functional food for diabetes management.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.8.1-8.8
• /
• 2015

Background: The demand for healthy, lean and consistent meat products containing low saturated fatty acid content and high quality polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long-chain (${\geq}C_{20}$) omega-3 PUFA, has increased in recent times. Fat deposition is altered by both the genetic background and dietary supplements, and this study aimed to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina supplementation levels on the mRNA expression patterns of genes controlling lipid metabolism in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and Longissimus dorsi (ld) muscle of Australian crossbred sheep. Methods: Twenty-four weaned lambs belonging to four breeds under the same management conditions were maintained on ryegrass pasture and fed three levels of Spirulina supplement (control, low and high). In terms of nutrient composition, Spirulina is a nutrient-rich supplement that contains all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It also is a rich source of carotenoids and fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that infer health benefits. After slaughter, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and ld samples were subjected to mRNA extraction and reverse transcription using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the mRNA expression levels of the Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), Adrenergic beta-3 receptor (ADRB3), B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and Fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes, which are associated with lipid metabolism. Results: Both low and high Spirulina supplementation levels strongly up-regulated the transcription of all the selected genes in both SAT and ld tissues (mostly in the subcutaneous adipose), but sheep breed and sex did not influence the gene expression patterns in these tissues. Conclusions: The evidence indicates that high Spirulina supplementation level resulted in a decrease in intramuscular fat content in Australian purebred and crossbred sheep due to the enhanced production of melatonin in sheep muscle tissues and strong up-regulation of mRNA expression of BTG2 in SAT which negatively affected fat deposition. In contrast, low Spirulina supplementation level strongly up-regulated the ADRB3 and FASN genes responsible for fat production. These findings are consistent with the observed phenotypic data suggesting that low Spirulina supplementation level can increase lamb production, with higher long-chain PUFA content.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.43-49
• /
• 2012

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carotenoid source and level on growth and skin color of red- and white-colored fancy carp Cyprinus carpio var. koi. Nine experimental diets (designated as CON, SP5, SP10, AS50, AS100, CA50, CA100, PA5 and PA10) were formulated to contain 5-10% Spirulina powder, 5-10% paprika powder, 50-100 ppm astaxanthin and 50-100 ppm canthaxanthin. The CON diet without supplementation of carotenoid source was considered as the control diet. Each experimental diet was fed to three replicate groups of fish (3.6 g/fish) to visual satiation three times a day for 8 weeks. Survival, growth and feed efficiency of fish were not significantly affected by dietary inclusion of carotenoid source and level (P>0.05). After 8 weeks feeding period, the values of $a^*$, $L^*$and $b^*$ of fish skin were significantly changed by dietary carotenoid source (P<0.05), but not carotenoid level. The $a^*$ value of fish fed the diets containing CA and PA was higher than control and SP diets (P<0.05). Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that dietary inclusion of 50 ppm canthaxanthin or 5% paprika powder could increase the redness of red-and white-colored fancy carp fingerling.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.418-423
• /
• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Spirulina, a blue-green alga, is widely produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement with bio- and immune-modulatory functions. We have previously shown that spirulina had favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune functions, and antioxidant capacity in healthy Korean elderly. Despite favorable effect of spirulina supplementation, some sub-populations have shown a poor response to supplementation. Obesity is a factor related to poor-response. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the immuno-modulation, antioxidant capacity, and lipid-lowering effect of spirulina in obese and non-obese Korean elderly. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were 78 elderly aged 60-87 years. In a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects were fed either placebo or spirulina daily, at 8 g for 12 weeks. Subjects were divided into the non-obese group and the obese group based on body mass index (BMI) criteria for Asians suggested by the International Obesity Task Force: $BMI<25kg/m^2$ (non-obese) and $BMI{\geq}25kg/m^2$ (obese). RESULTS: In the non-obese group, spirulina supplementation showed a significant lowering effect on plasma concentration of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, a significant increase in interleukin (IL)-2 concentration (P < 0.01) and a significant increment (P < 0.05) in IL-2/IL-6 ratio, and a significant increase in total antioxidant status level and a significant decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level. However, these effects were not observed in the obese group. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that blood lipid lowering and immune and antioxidant improving response for spirulina supplement was affected by obesity in Korean elderly.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.556-563
• /
• 2018

Objective: Spirulina has been recognized formerly as a filamentous spiral-shaped blue- green algae but more recently as a genus of photosynthetic bacteria (Arthrospira). This microorganism is considered as a rich source of essential nutrients for human and animals. The present study was conducted to determine potential application of Spirulina for heat- exposed broilers. Methods: Two hundred and fifty Cobb 500 chicks with male to female in equal ratio with average initial weight of 615.6 g at 17 days of age were divided into 5 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 chicks. Treatment groups were as follows: positive and negative controls with 0% Spirulina supplement and three Spirulina receiving groups with 5 g/kg (0.5%), 10 g/kg (1%), and 20 g/kg (2%) supplementation. Spirulina receiving groups as well as positive control were exposed to high ambient temperature at $36^{\circ}C$ for 6 h/d from 38 to 44 days of age. Biochemical variables were measured in serum samples at 35, 38, 42, and 45 days of broiler chickens age. Results: The results showed that supplementation of the diet with Spirulina decreased concentration of stress hormone and some serum lipid parameters while enhanced humoral immunity response and elevated antioxidant status whereas it didn't meaningfully affect performance characteristics. Nevertheless, feed conversion ratio was improved numerically but not statistically in broilers fed with 1% Spirulina under high ambient temperature. Conclusion: Overall, the present study suggests that alleviation of adverse impacts due to high ambient temperature at biochemical level including impaired enzymatic antioxidant system, elevated stress hormone and lipid profile can be approached in broiler chickens through supplementation of the diet with Spirulina platensis.

• Journal of Aquaculture
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.57-63
• /
• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of spirulina (SPI) and asthaxanthin (AST) on growth performance and antioxidant activity in juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in low temperature season. Total 180 fish ($27.8{\pm}0.3g$, average weight ${\pm}S.D.$) were randomly divided into 12 groups, and 3 groups were fed one of four isonitrogenous (52% CP) and isocaloric $(18.3\;MJ\;kg^{-1})$ diets containing no SPI and AST, 0.5% SPI, 0.5% AST, and 0.5% each SPI and AST (designated by diets Control, SPI, AST and SPI+AST, respectively). After 6 weeks of feeding trial, the growth performance, feed utilization, whole body composition and survival of fish were not significantly affected by the experimental diets. There were no significant differences in hematocrit, hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase of fish fed all the experimental diets. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay indicated numerically increased antioxidant activity in liver of fish fed the SPI diet compared to that of fish fed the control diet, even though it was not significant. The present study shows that a low level (0.5%) of dietary supplementation of SPI and/or AST does not affect growth and feed utilization and intake of juvenile olive flounder in low temperature season.