Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects of spirulina in rats

This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing potentials of spirulina utilizing a rat model.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was used to induce hepatotoxicity, while carrageenan was employed to induce hind paw inflammation. The wound healing capability was assessed by making a 6 mm round wound with a biopsy punch on the dorsal interscapular area of each rat. The animals were fed a diet mixed with spirulina at dosages of 250 and 500 mg.kg^-1bwt. Paw thickness measurements were taken at 1, 3, and 6 h after carrageenan injection.

Intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ leads to hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by significantly elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Treatment with spirulina markedly reduced these biochemical markers. CCl₄-induced hepatic cellular necrosis, central vein congestion, and steatosis were notably improved following spirulina administration. Additionally, spirulina treatment diminished paw edema and shortened wound closure time in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological analysis of the inflamed paw revealed massive infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of the epidermis, both of which showed significant improvement with spirulina treatment. The anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects of spirulina were comparable to those of indomethacin, an established anti-inflammatory drug.

Our findings demonstrate that Spirulina platensis possesses beneficial properties in counteracting hepatotoxicity and inflammation. Additionally, it exhibited significant wound-healing effects in rat models. These results reinforce the potential health advantages of spirulina as an effective functional food.