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Well-tolerated Spirulina extract inhibits influenza virus replication and reduces virus-induced mortality
Yi-Hsiang Chen1,2, Gi-Kung Chang1, Shu-Ming Kuo1
1Research Centre for Emerging Viral Infections,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract:
Influenza is one of the most common human respiratory diseases, and represents a serious public health concern. However, the high mutability of influenza viruses has hampered vaccine development, and resistant strains to existing anti-viral drugs have also emerged. Novel anti-influenza therapies are urgently needed, and in this study, we describe the anti-viral properties of a Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) cold water extract. Anti-viral effects have previously been reported for extracts and specific substances derived from Spirulina, and here we show that this Spirulina cold water extract has low cellular toxicity, and is well-tolerated in animal models at one dose as high as 5,000 mg/kg, or 3,000 mg/kg/day for 14 successive days. Anti-flu efficacy studies revealed that the Spirulina extract inhibited viral plaque formation in a broad range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains. Spirulina extract was found to act at an early stage of infection to reduce virus yields in cells and improve survival in influenza-infected mice, with inhibition of influenza hemagglutination identified as one of the mechanisms involved. Together, these results suggest that the cold water extract of Spirulina might serve as a safe and effective therapeutic agent to manage influenza outbreaks, and further clinical investigation may be warranted.
Insights
A Spirulina cold water extract shows promise as a novel influenza therapy. This extract is safe, well-tolerated, and effectively inhibits a broad range of influenza viruses, including drug-resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Therapeutics
Background:
- Influenza poses a significant public health threat due to viral mutability and drug resistance.
- Existing antiviral drugs face challenges from emergent resistant strains.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing influenza outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral properties of a Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) cold water extract against influenza viruses.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of the Spirulina extract in preclinical models.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of the Spirulina extract in combating influenza infection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro antiviral assays to evaluate inhibition of viral plaque formation.
- Cellular toxicity and animal model studies to determine safety and tolerability.
- In vivo efficacy studies in influenza-infected mice to assess survival rates and viral load reduction.
- Hemagglutination inhibition assays to identify mechanisms of action.
Main Results:
- The Spirulina extract demonstrated low cellular toxicity and was well-tolerated in animal models at high doses.
- The extract effectively inhibited viral plaque formation across a wide spectrum of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains.
- Spirulina extract reduced virus yields in infected cells, improved survival rates in mice, and inhibited influenza hemagglutination.
Conclusions:
- The cold water extract of Spirulina exhibits significant anti-influenza activity.
- The extract presents a potential safe and effective therapeutic option for influenza management.
- Further clinical research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of Spirulina extract for influenza.
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