Impact of Spirulina Supplementation on Obesity, Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aims: This systematic review evaluates how Spirulina supplementation impacts human metabolic syndrome. This review encompasses a broad spectrum of Spirulina supplementation studies, including variations in dosage, trial duration, participants, and the subsequent effects on human metabolic syndrome. Methods: The method involves searching for articles from the Scopus and PubMed databases (up to 2023) to identify relevant studies on Spirulina supplementation. The journal database related to the study was examined using the systematic review approach. Results: Out of 527 articles related to Spirulina supplementation, 13 articles were determined to be suitable for human clinical studies. The treatment is performed at 20 mg to 6 g within 17-360 days. Spirulina contains macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for health, as well as several bioactives that play a role in improving metabolic syndrome. This seaweed pigment can reduce obesity, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Its tripeptides lower blood pressure while gamma linoleic acid and glycolipids improve lipid profile. The findings show that Spirulina supplementation improves human metabolic syndrome. It included obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Spirulina supplementation in humans has a positive effect on metabolic syndrome. It is due to phycocyanin, L-isoleucyl-L-glutaminyl-L-proline (Ile-Gln-Pro), gamma-linolenic acid, and the glycolipid H-b2. However, the form of use, dosage, and treatment should be further researched to determine the right amount for each metabolic syndrome problem.

Keywords: dietary supplements; hyperglycemia; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; obesity; spirulina; systematic review.