The Neuroprotective Role of Cyanobacteria with Focus on the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential: Current Status and Perspectives
Flávia Rodrigues,
Mariana Reis,
Leonor Ferreira,
Clara Grosso,
Ricardo Ferraz,
Mónica Vieira,
Vitor Vasconcelos,
Rosário Martins
Affiliations
Flávia Rodrigues
School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (E2S/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Mariana Reis
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Leonor Ferreira
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Clara Grosso
LAQV/REQUIMTE, School of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
Ricardo Ferraz
School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (E2S/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Mónica Vieira
School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (E2S/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Vitor Vasconcelos
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Rosário Martins
School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto (E2S/P.PORTO), Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Neurodegenerative diseases are linked to the process of neurodegeneration. This can be caused by several mechanisms, including inflammation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Despite their high incidence, there is still no effective treatment or cure for these diseases. Cyanobacteria have been seen as a possible source for new compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, such as polysaccharides (sacran), phycobiliproteins (phycocyanin) and lipopeptides (honaucins and malyngamides), which can be interesting to combat neurodegeneration. As a promising case of success, Arthrospira (formerly Spirulina) has revealed a high potential for preventing neurodegeneration. Additionally, advantageous culture conditions and sustainable production of cyanobacteria, which are allied to the development of genetic, metabolic, and biochemical engineering, are promising. The aim of this review is to compile and highlight research on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of cyanobacteria with focus on the application as neuroprotective agents. Also, a major goal is to address essential features that brand cyanobacteria as an ecoefficient and economically viable option, linking health to sustainability.
