Cited by 51Seaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsAlgal biology and biofuel productionMedicinal Plant Research

Bioactive Compounds of Arthrospira spp. (Spirulina) with Potential Anticancer Activities: A Systematic Review

Silva, Maria Rafaele O. B. da, M. da Silva, Gisele, Silva, Amannda L. F. da, Lima, Luiza R. A. de, Bezerra, Raquel P., Marques, Daniela de A. V.·2021·ACS Chemical Biology

Abstract

Arthrospira, a genus of blue-green cyanobacteria, is known for its great biological activity due to the presence of a large number of substances that are potentially active against tumor cells. This review aimed to evaluate the potential of Arthrospira spp. for the treatment or reduction of several types of cancer, in addition to elucidating the mechanism of action by which their compounds act on tumor cells. A systematic review was carried out in PubMed, Science Direct, LILACS, and SciELO databases, including original studies from 2009 to 2020. A total of 1306 articles were independently assessed according to the eligibility criteria, of which 20 articles were selected and assessed for the risk of bias using seven criteria developed by the authors. Arthrospira spp. of cyanobacteria have been evaluated against eight different types of cancer, mainly colon cancer. Among all the compounds, phycocyanin was the most used, followed by peptides and photosensitizers. In general, compounds from Arthrospira spp. act as anticancer agents by inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, triggering cell cycle arrest, and inducing apoptosis via different signaling pathways. In addition, these compounds also exhibited antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic activities. Phycocyanin demonstrated better efficacy against several types of cancer via different activities and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, it was the only molecule that functioned in synergy with other drugs that are already well established for the treatment of cancer.

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Crossref · 10.1021/acschembio.1c00568

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58 of 58 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Microalgae produce a wide range of bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects.

    “Microalgae produce a wide range of bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects among others.”
  • The potential applications of bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have attracted considerable attention, given their prospective uses across a variety of sectors such as food, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

    “The potential applications of these bioactive compounds derived from microalgae have attracted considerable attention, given their prospective uses across a variety of sectors such as food, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals [57,93,94,95].”

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Authors
Silva, M. R. O. B. D., M. da Silva, G., Silva, A. L. F. D., Lima, L. R. A. D., Bezerra, R. P., & Marques, D. D. A. V.
Affiliations
  • Universidade de Pernambuco (BR)
  • Laboratory of Cell Biology, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Capitão Pedro Rodrigues, 55294-902 Garanhus, PE, Brazil
  • Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (BR)
Corresponding author
Bezerra, Raquel P.
Venue
ACS Chemical Biology
Published
2021-10-01
Volume
16
Issue
11
Pages
2057-2067
ISSN
  • 1554-8929 (ISSN-L)
  • 1554-8937
OpenAlex
W3204548013
Cited by
51
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 9 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 10
FWCI
0.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • ACS Chemical Biology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Funda????o de Amparo ?? Ci??ncia e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (APQ-0424-2.13/18)
  • Coordena????o de Aperfei??oamento de Pessoal de N??vel Superior (Finance Code 001)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Medicinal Plant Research
Keywords
Arthrospira, Spirulina, cyanobacteria, bioactive compounds, anticancer activity, phycocyanin, cyanobacterial peptides, photosensitizers, colon cancer, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, antioxidant activity, antiangiogenic activity, antimetastatic activity, drug synergy
MeSH terms
Animals, Antineoplastic Agents, Humans, Neoplasms, Phycocyanin, Apoptosis, Cell Line, Tumor, Cell Proliferation, Spirulina, Cell Cycle Checkpoints

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