Phytochemical evaluation, safety profile and hepato-renal protective potential of Green Gold Spirulina capsules containing Spirulina platensis in rats

Abstract

Evaluation of major phytochemical constituents and free radical scavenging activity of commercially available Green Gold capsules containing Spirulina platensis (GG Spirulina) was carried out in this investigation. Antioxidant, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potential of GG Spirulina (125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, po) was also validated. Acute dose (1 ml/kg, ip) of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was administered to induce acute dysfunctions in liver and kidney in rats. Results indicated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonones and flavonols in GG Spirulina and possess H₂O₂ scavenging activity. Choleretic activity of GG Spirulina at 250 mg/kg dose showed no adverse effects on liver indicating its safe consumption at 250 mg/kg dose. Administration of CCl₄ altered various diagnostic variables. Treatment of GG Spirulina significantly controlled concentration of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and uric acid in serum and maintained various hematological indices towards control. Treatment of GG Spirulina reduced lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and microsomes, enhanced glutathione level and prevented from severe alterations in histoarchitecture of liver and kidney. Protective effect of GG Spirulina at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg was statistically compared to silymarin as positive control and found that effectiveness of 250 mg/kg dose of GG Spirulina was better than 125 mg/kg dose and silymarin in certain parameters, concluding hepato and nephroprotective potential of GG Spirulina.