Exploring the Potential of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Aqueous Extract in Preventing Glycation of Hemoglobin and pBR322 Plasmid

Background Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), a cyanobacterium, is being consumed worldwide owing to its high nutritional value and therapeutic potential. Objectives This study aims to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and antiglycation property of A. platensis PCC 7345 aqueous extract against glucose, fructose, and ribose-mediated glycation of hemoglobin. Materials and Methods The antioxidant property of the extract was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and a nitric oxide scavenging assay. Protein glycation and its subsequent prevention were interpreted by observing a reduction in browning, fructosamine, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, protein carbonyl content, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, and protein aggregation using spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry. The prevention of strand nicking/breaks in the pBR322 plasmid was analyzed using electrophoresis, and the change in integrated density was calculated using ImageJ software. Results The extract showed very good antioxidant potential, which is evident and could be estimated from the inhibition concentration (IC50) values that were 45.97, 31.09, and 52.29 µg/mL in the DPPH, ABTS, and nitric oxide scavenging assays, respectively. A. platensis aqueous extract was found to be the most effective in preventing glucose-mediated glycation and protein aggregation, wherein 100 µg/mL of the extract could effectively cause ~50% inhibition in the formation of early and AGEs and prevented the formation of protein aggregates. The highest antiglycating potential of the extract was observed in glucose-mediated glycation, followed by fructose and ribose. The formation of four fluorescent AGEs, such as argpyrimidine, vesper lysine A, pentosidine, and crossline, was reduced. The extract could prevent 97% of DNA nicking in pBR322. Conclusion The aqueous extract of A. platensis has a potent ability to prevent glycation and its secondary complications.