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Cited by 25Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionSeaweed-derived Bioactive CompoundsMedicinal Plant Research

Antioxidant, anti-cancer and ameliorative activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice against hepatic damage induced by CCl4

Open access
EL-BELTAGI, Hossam S., DHAWI, Faten, ASHOUSH, Ihab S., RAMADAN, Khaled·2020·Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
DOI 10.15835/nbha48412151
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Abstract

Due to the excessive impact of synthetic drugs, unravelling and employing safe, natural alternatives are now needed to resolve a number of diseases. In this research, we have evaluated hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice in rats against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Spirulina crude carotenoid extract was screened by UPLC-MS / MS. Activities of liver marker enzymes; measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and determined lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status as reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver homogenate. The infusion of CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants. Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj)or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status. Chromatographic separation showed that ß-carotene is the predominant carotenoid extract. This carotenoid extract was tested for colon carcinoma (HCT-116), liver carcinoma (HepG2) and intestinal carcinoma cell lines (CACO) LC50 for 21.8, 14 and 11.3 ug / ml, respectively. Total phenolic phytochemicals, total carotenoids and total flavonoids were also measured in Spirulina. Our study clearly demonstrates that Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice had hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant activity.

Verified 2026-10-07 · 1 reference not checked yet

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In CCl4-treated male rats, oral pomegranate juice, Spirulina aqueous extract, and their 90:10 combination reduced liver enzyme and lipid peroxidation markers and increased GSH, with the combination often showing the strongest antioxidant effects. Spirulina carotenoid extract was predominantly β-carotene and showed cytotoxic LC50 values against colon, liver, and intestinal cancer cell lines.

Key findings

  • CCl4 injury increased AST and ALT and decreased GSH; treatments lowered AST/ALT. Table 3: IC AST 108.22 ± 2.8 U/L and ALT 126.03 ± 2.5 U/L vs NC 49.82 ± 3.2 and 45.19 ± 2.1; PJ 58.71 ± 1.27 and 48.04 ± 1.7; SP 57.16 ± 1.29 and 47.22 ± 5.8; PJSP 56.13 ± 0.8 and 44.88 ± 3.2.
  • DPPH scavenging activity was 91.93 ± 0.84% for pomegranate juice, 71.09 ± 0.26% for Spirulina extract, and 98.12 ± 0.23% for the combination.
  • MDA reduction relative to injury control was 40.55% for PJSP, 28.62% for PJ, and 31.74% for SP; GSH increased by 19.9%, 14.6%, and 35.8% for PJ, SP, and PJSP, respectively. Table 4: IC MDA 5.45 ± 1.35 nmol/ml and GSH 21.87 ± 1.77 mg/dl vs PJSP MDA 3.24 ± 0.44 and GSH 29.71 ± 3.11.
  • Spirulina carotenoids were mainly trans-β-carotene (57.3%) and cis-β-carotene (31.0%); LC50 values were 21.8 µg/ml for colon HCT-116, 14 µg/ml for liver HepG2, and 11.3 µg/ml for intestinal CACO. Total carotenoids were 161 ± 7.0 mg/g, total flavonoids 79.6 ± 3.3 mg/g, and total phenolics 16.0 ± 0.7 mg/g.

Methods

  • Thirty male Albino Wistar rats (average weight 140 ± 10 g) were divided into five groups of six: normal control, injury control given CCl4 (2 ml/kg body weight, IP, 1:1 CCl4/paraffin oil), and CCl4-injured rats treated orally with pomegranate juice, Spirulina aqueous extract, or their combination at 1 ml/100 g body weight per day for 28 days.
  • Pomegranate juice, Spirulina aqueous extract, and a 90:10 PJ:SP blend selected by sensory panel were tested by DPPH assay; Spirulina phytochemicals were measured; carotenoids were extracted and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. Cytotoxicity was assessed by SRB assay on HCT-116, HepG2, and CACO cell lines at 0, 5, 12, 25, and 50 μg/ml.
  • Data were presented as mean ± SE and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan test, with p<0.05 considered significant using SAS.

Limitations

  • The paper does not state a limitations section.
  • Evident from the text: the in vivo experiment used only 30 male rats (n=6 per group), a single CCl4 dose and a 28-day treatment period, with no dose-response testing for pomegranate juice, Spirulina extract, or their combination; the anticancer findings are in vitro LC50 values only.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.15835/nbha48412151

Cites

70 of 72 references verified0 citation errors · 1 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 38 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    A dose-dependent reduction in the surviving fraction of intestinal, followed by liver, and finally colon tumor cell lines was observed with carotenoids extract from Spirulina platensis.

    “7 and illustrated in Figure 2 stated that a dose dependent of carotenoids extract from Spirulina platensis and reduction the surviving fraction of intestinal followed by liver and finally colon tumor cell lines.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Rats exposed to CCl4 produced substantial hepatocellular injury as shown by higher plasma levels of AST and ALT compared to normal control group and other treatment groups.

    “Rats exposed to CCl4 produced substantial hepatocellular injury as shown by the higher plasma level of AST and ALT compared to normal control group and other treatment groups”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In Spirulina, the content of total carotenoids was higher followed by total flavonoids and total phenolics.

    “Data in Table 5 showed that the content of phytochemicals in Spirulina whereas the total carotenoids was higher followed by total flavonoids and total phenolics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    PJ showed higher antioxidant activity than SP.

    “The results showed an increase in antioxidant activity in PJ followed by SP.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The combination PJSP recorded the highest antioxidant activity, with 98.12% free radical scavenging.

    “While, the combination PJSP recorded the highest antioxidant activity, which revealed highly fight free radical activity 98.12%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 13
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 24
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Plasma lipid peroxide concentrations were decreased in the treatment groups relative to the liver injury group; the percentage of reduction was 40.55% in PJSP, 28.62% in PJ, and 31.74% in SP.

    “In the current study, as shown in Table (4), plasma lipid peroxide concentrations were decreased in the treatment group relative to the liver injury group; the percentage of reduction was slightly lower in the PJSP group at 40.55% compared to the other treatment groups with 28.62% and 31.74%%respectively in the PJ and SP groups.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj) or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status.

    “Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj)or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    CCl4 infusion (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants.

    “The infusion of CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    UPLC-MSMS analysis of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis found cisβ-Carotene at 31.0 area%.

    “| cisβ -Carotene | 31.0 | 4.40 | 536 |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Pomegranate juice had higher scavenging activity than Spirulina extract.

    “| Pomegranate juice (PJ) | 91.93 ± 0.84 b |”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
      “| Spirulina extract (SP) | 71.09 ± 0.26 c |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    UPLC-MSMS analysis of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis found β-Cryptoxanthin at 3.0 area%.

    “| β -Cryptoxanthin | 3.0 | 1.02 | 551 |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    UPLC-MSMS analysis of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis found Zea-xanthine at 2.8 area%.

    “| Zea-xanthine | 2.8 | 1.24 | 569 |”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Numerous studies have tested Spirulina's antioxidant effects and capacity to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation.

    “Numerous studies have tested Spirulina's antioxidant effects and capacity to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and prevent lipid peroxidation (Dartsch, 2008).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Dartsch, 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina extracts have been identified as antimicrobials and anticancer agents.

    “Spirulina extracts have also been identified as antimicrobials and anticancer agents (El-Baz et al., 2013;Czerwonka et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites El-Baz et al., 2013

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    • cites Czerwonka et al., 2018

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina consumption has been correlated with hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects as well as neuroprotective and immunomodulatory roles.

    “Hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant effects as well as neuroprotective and immunomodulatory roles have been correlated with Spirulina consumption (Serban et al., 2015;Finamore et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Serban et al., 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Finamore et al., 2017

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina species displayed a number of biological behaviours, such as antihypertensive and antihyperilemic.

    “Spirulina species displayed a number of biological behaviours, such as antihypertensive and antihyperilemic (Torres-Duran et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Torres-Duran et al., 2007

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina fusiformis has shown hepatoprotection towards oxidative stress mediated by mercury chloride.

    “Spirulina fusiformis has shown hepatoprotection towards oxidative stress mediated by mercury chloride (Sharma et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Sharma et al., 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina is a chemopreventive agent for cancer and hepatoprotective agent for heavy metal toxicity.

    “Chemopreventive agent for cancer and hepatoprotective agent for heavy metal toxicity (Ismail et al., 2009;Karadeniz et al., 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Ismail et al., 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Karadeniz et al., 2009

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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina bilirubin's anticancer activity has been attributed to its effects on mitochondria and intracellular signaling.

    “Spirulina bilirubin's anticancer activity has been attributed to its effects on mitochondria and intracellular signaling (Keshavan et al., 2004;Ollinger et al., 2007).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Keshavan et al., 2004;Ollinger et al., 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous study showed that the therapeutics tested exerted strong antioxidant effects with substantial reductions in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and improved glutathione redox parameters.

    “Previous study showed that the therapeutics tested exerted strong antioxidant effects with substantial reductions in ROS levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which strengthened the overall cell redox status as shown by observed improvement in parameters of redox glutathione (Konícková et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Konícková et al., 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In a study conducted by Manal (2011), pomegranate juice significantly increased hepatic GST activity and preserved glutathione GSH levels even after treatment with CCl4.

    “In a study conducted by Manal (2011), pomegranate juice significantly increased hepatic GST activity and preserved glutathione GSH levels even after treatment with CCl4.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Manal, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina platensis derived phycocyanin pigments have more active functional groups with potential anticancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory action.

    “The Spirulina platensis derived phycocyanin pigments have more active functional groups with potential anticancer, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory action and it could be considered as an alternate functional food for food and drug industry (Prabakaran et al., 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Prabakaran et al., 2020

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Several studies have shown that the intake of dietary carotenoids is connected to prevention of debilitating diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis and age-related macular degeneration in humans due to their ability to suppress oxidative lesions by scavenging free radicals and extracting singlet oxygen.

    “Several studies have shown that the intake of dietary carotenoids is connected to prevention of debilitating diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis and age-related macular degeneration in humans due to their ability to suppress oxidative lesions by scavenging free radicals and extracting singlet oxygen.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bernal, 2011

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Nagao, 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina platensis water extracts showed antiproliferative properties against breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and mice intestine carcinoma cell line (L20B).

    “In addition, Spirulina platensis water extracts showed antiproliferative properties against breast cancer adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and mice intestine carcinoma cell line (L20B) suggesting that new promising anticancer natural products from blue-green algae are possible (Fayyad et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fayyad et al., 2019

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Katsuya et al. (2007) showed that the total phenolics in Spirulina are five times higher than other species in blue-green algae.

    “Katsuya et al. (2007) showed that the total phenolics in Spirulina are five times higher than other species in blue-green algae.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Katsuya et al., 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Single-oxygen quenching levels of food-approved carotenoids increased with numbers of conjugated double carotenoid bonds.

    “Single-oxygen quenching levels of food-approved carotenoids increased with numbers of conjugated double carotenoid bonds (Jung and Min, 1991;Hamed et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Jung and Min, 1991

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Hamed et al., 2019

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pomegranate juice has been shown to increase antioxidant defense mechanisms and to have a protective impact in testicular tissue toward CCl4-caused acute toxicity in rats.

    “Pomegranate juice has recently been shown to be responsible for increasing antioxidant defense mechanisms and to have a protective impact in testicular tissue toward CCl4-caused acute toxicity in rats (Al-Olayan et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Al-Olayan et al., 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Ethical approval for all experimental protocols was obtained from the Medical Research Ethics Committee, National Research Center (NRC-MREC; number, 20/150).

    “Ethical approval, for all the practiced experimental protocols, was obtained from Medical Research Ethics Committee, National Research Center (NRC-MREC; number, 20/150) according to Egyptian Network of Research Ethics Committee (ENREC) regulations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina platensis displayed high β-carotene content 30 times higher than that contained in carrots.

    “Similarly, Spirulina platensis displayed high β-carotene content 30 times higher than that contained in carrots (Yin et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Yin et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Carotenoids recorded antioxidant properties as active compounds but their efficacy varies between source to source.

    “Carotenoids recorded antioxidant properties as active compounds but their efficacy varies between source to source (Sallam et al., 2017;Cipolatti et al., 2019;El-Beltagi et al., 2018, 2019a-b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Sallam et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Cipolatti et al., 2019

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites El-Beltagi et al., 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pomegranate juice's extracellular antioxidant efficacy was shown to be three times higher compared to green tea and 2-6 times greater compared to other natural beverages.

    “Pomegranate juice's extracellular antioxidant efficacy was shown to be three times higher compared to green tea and 2-6 times greater compared to other natural beverages (Seeram et al., 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Seeram et al., 2005

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Carotenoids interact strongly with reactive oxygen species and work as efficient free radical quenchers, singlet oxygen scavengers, lipid antioxidants in plant and animal organisms.

    “Carotenoids interact strongly with reactive oxygen species and work as efficient free radical quenchers, singlet oxygen scavengers, lipid antioxidants (some which are precursors of vitamin A) in plant and animal organisms (Aly et al., 2012;Helmi and Mohamed, 2016;Mohamed and Akladious, 2017;Akladious and Mohamed, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Aly et al., 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Helmi and Mohamed, 2016

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    • cites Mohamed and Akladious, 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pomegranate juice intake increased glutathione levels, and reduced lipid and protein oxidation.

    “In another study, pomegranate juice intake increased glutathione levels, and reduced lipid and protein oxidation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Matthaiou et al., 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Spirulina had a significant cytotoxic effect on human acute leukemia Kasumi-1, chronic myelogenous leukemia K-562 and human lung cancer A549 cell lines.

    “It also had significant cytotoxic effect of on human acute leukemia Kasumi-1, chronic myelogenous leukemia K-562 and e human lung cancer A549 cell lines (Hernandez et al., 2017;Czerwonka et al., 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hernandez et al., 2017;Czerwonka et al., 2018

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Phycocyanobilin (PCB) and chlorophylls are among other potentially bioactive substances of particular interest due to their structural similarity to bilirubin, potent antioxidant, atheroprotective, anti-proliferative agent.

    “Phycocyanobilin (PCB) and chlorophylls are among other potentially bioactive substances of particular interest due to their structural similarity to bilirubin, potent antioxidant, atheroprotective, anti-proliferative agent (Konícková et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Konícková et al., 2014

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30 of 30

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Synthetic drugs have excessive impact and safe, natural alternatives are needed to resolve a number of diseases.

    “Due to the excessive impact of synthetic drugs, unravelling and employing safe, natural alternatives are now needed to resolve a number of diseases.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina and pomegranate juice observed in CCl4-injured rats are relevant to use as a therapeutic beverage in humans.

    “meaning that it could be used as a therapeutic natural and benefitted beverage”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Spirulina is employed in the production of functional beverages, fruit juices, dairy products, pasta, oil derivatives, and nutritional supplements.

    “In addition to the introduction of spirulina in the production of functional beverages, such as fruit juices, which have gained a great deal of relevance in terms of health, it is also employed in the production of dairy products, pasta, oil derivatives, and nutritional supplements [8,9,10].”

    From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [8]

    The Introduction describes Spirulina as commonly used as a nutritional supplement, and the Pomegranate juice preparation section describes blending its extract with fruit juice. The passages do not support its use in dairy products, pasta, or oil derivatives, or establish a broader range of functional beverages. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Spirulina extract is cytotoxic against colon cancer (HCT-116), liver cancer (HepG2), and CACO colon cancer cell lines, with LC50 values of 21.8, 14, and 11.3 mcg/mL, respectively.

    “The cytotoxicity of spirulina extract was demonstrated against cancer cell lines when it was tested on colon cancer (HCT-116), liver cancer (HepG2), and CACO colon cancer cell lines. The LC50 values for each of these cancer cell lines were 21.8, 14, and 11.3 mcg/mL, respectively.”

    From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [8]

    Table 7 (Conclusions; page unavailable) reports LC50 values of 21.8, 14, and 11.3 µg/mL for HCT-116, HepG2, and CACO, respectively, using a Spirulina carotenoid extract. The methods section identifies CACO as an intestinal carcinoma cell line, not a colon cancer cell line as the citing sentence states. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The aqueous extract of spirulina contained a significant amount of total flavonoids, which was 79.6 mg/g dry weight, and the amount of total phenols was 16.0 mg/g dry weight.

    “El-Beltagi et al. [8] studied that the aqueous extract of spirulina contained a significant amount of total flavonoids, which was 79.6 mg/g dry weight, and that the amount of total phenols was 16.0 mg/g dry weight.”

    From Trends and Technological Advancements in the Possible Food Applications of Spirulina and Their Health Benefits: A Review. (2022) · cites this paper as [8]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Abstract and methods identify different samples for oxidative-stress measurements

    Major

    The abstract says lipid peroxidation and GSH were determined in liver homogenate, whereas the methods say both were measured in plasma.

  • Abstract reports a different CCl4 dose from the methods

    Minor

    The abstract describes 2 ml/kg of CCl4, but the methods specify 2 ml/kg of a 1:1 CCl4-paraffin oil mixture. That mixture contains 1 ml/kg of CCl4.

  • PJ weight gain is called significant relative to normal control despite matching significance labels

    Minor

    The text says all three treatments significantly increased weight gain relative to normal control. Table 2 assigns PJ and normal control the same significance letter, indicating that their gains were not significantly different under the table's notation.

  • Largest MDA reduction is described as lower than smaller reductions

    Minor

    The stated PJSP reduction of 40.55% is greater, not lower, than the stated PJ and SP reductions of 28.62% and 31.74%.

4 of 4

Cites

1 retracted

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Abdel-Salam AM, Ashoush IS, Hamad EM Mousa HM (2015). Potential protective effect of fermented camel milk containing probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic against lead and cadmium-intoxicated male rats. International Journal of Humanities, Arts, Medicine and Sciences (BEST: IJHAMS) 3(11):131-148.
  2. Abdel-Rahim EA, El-Beltagi HS (2010). Constituents of apple, parsley and lentil edible plants and their therapy treatments for blood picture as well as liver and kidney functions against lipidemic disease. Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry 9(6):1117-1127.
  3. El-Beltagi HS, Mohamed HI, Elmelegy AA, Eldesoky SE, Safwat G (2019a). Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer activities and nutritional values of cactus (Opuntia ficus indicia) pulp and peel. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 28(2A):1534-1551.
  4. Fayyad RJ, Ali ANM, Dwaish AS, Abed Al-Abboodi AK (2019). Anticancer activity of Spirulina platensis methanolic extracts against L20B and MCF7 human cancer cell lines. Plant Archives 19(1):1419-1426.
  5. Manal FE (2011). Hepatoprotective role of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats. African Journal of Biological Science 7(1):135-149.
  6. Sallam AE, Mansour AT, Srour TM, Goda AMA (2017). Effects of different carotenoid supplementation sources with or without sodium taurocholate on growth, feed utilization, carotenoid content and antioxidant status in fry of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Aquaculture Research 48(7):3848-3858.
  7. Subramonium A, Pushpangadan P (1999). Development of phytomedicines for liver diseases. Indian Journal Pharmacology 31:166-175.

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Related

Authors
EL-BELTAGI, H. S., DHAWI, F., ASHOUSH, I. S., & RAMADAN, K.
Affiliations
  • Cairo University (EG)
  • King Faisal University (SA)
  • Ain Shams University (EG)
ORCID
Venue
Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
Publisher
University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca
Published
2020-12-22
Volume
48
Issue
4
Pages
1941-1956
ISSN
  • 0255-965X (ISSN-L)
  • 1842-4309
DOI
10.15835/nbha48412151
OpenAlex
W3114510842
Semantic Scholar
583754809b5c52e4f52427d4268cb8616db5246b
Cited by
25
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 2
FWCI
3.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Greater South Information System
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Protection
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Aquatic Science › Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Medicinal Plant Research
Keywords
Spirulina platensis, pomegranate juice, carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity, hepatoprotection, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, beta-carotene, carotenoids, liver enzymes, anticancer activity, HCT116 cells, HepG2 cells, total phenolic content, flavonoids

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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