UNS – The Study Program of Pharmacy, Vocational School (SV) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta currently develops a supplement to support immunity made from Spirulina platensis. The development of this supplement is not managed by Pharmacy Program SV UNS but in collaboration with PT. Brigit Biofarmaka.
To uns.ac.id, Anif Nur Artanti, S.Farm., M.Sc., Apt., as the Head of Study Program, states that Spirulina platensis is chosen for its complete phytonutrients. On the other hand, Spirulina platensis can also increase the macrophage cell activation and cytokine production as well as stimulating antibody that is effective to improve immune response.
This, Anif adds, is in line with the world condition that facing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. During this pandemic, the human body needs to consume food that can improve and balance immunity, because viral infectious disease generally attacks the body under the conditions of fatigue, stress, or with a less regular diet.
“Thus, Spirulina platensis is great for the body as a superfood. It contains 60%-70% protein, 20%-25% carbohydrate, 3-5% fat, 5-8% minerals and vitamin, as well as 2-5% water. Spirulina platensis has a role to stabilize the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin,” Anif explains on Thursday (11/6/2020).
Aside from its wonderful content, in terms of material safety, several studies have shown that Spirulina platensis is a safe and natural food ingredient supported with concentrated nutrition for health and optimal welfare. Anif explains that the multifunction of this species, made it become a natural remedy ideal for preventive measures (prophylaxis) and therapy with the huge benefits.
“Considered from its characteristics, Spirulina platensis microalgae has potential as a source of antioxidant compounds raw material that can be used for cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceutical preparations, which is useful for the body,” Anif adds.
Not only COVID-19, but several other diseases caused by a viral infection can also be cured using Spirulina platensis. The polysaccharides content in spirulina is reported can inhibit the replication of several viruses such as simplex herpes virus, influenza virus, measles virus, mumps virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). Even more, Anif reveals, the extract of Spirulina platensis is highly potential to be developed into one of the therapies that can help patients Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) lead a longer normal life.
All of the superiorities prove that Spirulina platensis has been used as foodstuff since 400 years ago and has been developed in various countries. Moreover, Spirulina platensis can be easily cultivated and harvested and easily digested by humans. However, Anif states that for the development attempted by the Pharmacy Program SV UNS, further research is needed.
“The objective is to further understand the potential of the immunostimulatory and immunomodulator contained in each Spirulina platensis chemical component,” Anif concluded. Humas UNS/Kaffa/Dwi
