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metadata.dc.type: | Artigo de Periódico |
Title: | Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima |
Other Titles: | Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research |
Authors: | Miranda, Maria da Pureza Spínola Cintra, R. G. Barros, S. B. M. Mancini Filho, J. |
metadata.dc.creator: | Miranda, Maria da Pureza Spínola Cintra, R. G. Barros, S. B. M. Mancini Filho, J. |
Abstract: | Spirulina maxima, which is used as a food additive, is a microalga rich in protein and other essential nutrients. Spirulina contains phenolic acids, tocopherols and ß-carotene which are known to exhibit antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of a Spirulina extract. The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extract of Spirulina was determined in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was tested on a brain homogenate incubated with and without the extract at 37oC. The IC50 (concentration which causes a 50% reduction of oxidation) of the extract in this system was 0.18 mg/ml. The in vivo antioxidant capacity was evaluated in plasma and liver of animals receiving a daily dose of 5 mg for 2 and 7 weeks. Plasma antioxidant capacity was measured in brain homogenate incubated for 1 h at 37oC. The production of oxidized compounds in liver after 2 h of incubation at 37oC was measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARS) in control and experimental groups. Upon treatment, the antioxidant capacity of plasma was 71% for the experimental group and 54% for the control group. Data from liver spontaneous peroxidation studies were not significantly different between groups. The amounts of phenolic acids, a-tocopherol and ß-carotene were determined in Spirulina extracts. The results obtained indicate that Spirulina provides some antioxidant protection for both in vitro and in vivo systems. |
Keywords: | microalgae antioxidant activity Spirulina maxima phenolic compounds ß-carotene a-tocopherol |
URI: | http://www.repositorio.ufba.br/ri/handle/ri/6973 |
Issue Date: | 1998 |
Appears in Collections: | Artigo Publicado em Periódico (FAR) |
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