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Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched Spirulina platensis and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review

  • Authors:
    • Carmen Sica
    • Chiara Copat
    • Claudia Favara
    • Maria Castrogiovanni
    • Paola Rapisarda
    • Gea Oliveri Conti
    • Margherita Ferrante
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technology ‘G.F. Ingrassia’, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
    Copyright: © Sica et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
  • Article Number: 85
    |
    Published online on: July 7, 2025
       https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.373
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Abstract

Microalgae, particularly Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as Spirulina, are recognized for their ability to produce bioactive compounds with significant benefits across industrial, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. Spirulina is especially valued for its high content of proteins, vitamins and essential minerals, including phycocyanin and selenium, which contribute to its potent antioxidant properties. The present systematic review was performed by searching major international databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) following the PRISMA methodology. A total of 12 studies were identified that specifically compared the antioxidant and/or cytotoxic efficacy of selenium‑enriched spirulina (Se‑SP) or selenium‑containing phycocyanin (Se‑PC) with their respective non‑enriched forms. The findings consistently demonstrated that selenium enrichment enhanced the bioactivity of these compounds. However, future research is required to prioritize the safety of dietary selenium administration by defining clear minimum and maximum daily intake guidelines. Additionally, the health benefits of these compounds need to be examined across diverse population groups, considering variables such as sex, age and pre‑existing health conditions that may influence responses to selenium consumption. It is crucial to further investigate the long‑term safety of Se‑SP and Se‑PC intake, with particular emphasis on establishing appropriate dosage limits for various demographic groups to ensure safe and effective use in human health.
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Figure 1

PRISMA flow chart illustrating the
study selection process for the present systematic review.
View References

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Sica C, Copat C, Favara C, Castrogiovanni M, Rapisarda P, Oliveri Conti G and Ferrante M: Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review. World Acad Sci J 7: 85, 2025.
APA
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., & Ferrante, M. (2025). Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review. World Academy of Sciences Journal, 7, 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.373
MLA
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., Ferrante, M."Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7.5 (2025): 85.
Chicago
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., Ferrante, M."Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7, no. 5 (2025): 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.373
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Sica C, Copat C, Favara C, Castrogiovanni M, Rapisarda P, Oliveri Conti G and Ferrante M: Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review. World Acad Sci J 7: 85, 2025.
APA
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., & Ferrante, M. (2025). Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review. World Academy of Sciences Journal, 7, 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.373
MLA
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., Ferrante, M."Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7.5 (2025): 85.
Chicago
Sica, C., Copat, C., Favara, C., Castrogiovanni, M., Rapisarda, P., Oliveri Conti, G., Ferrante, M."Enhanced bioactivity of selenium‑enriched <em>Spirulina platensis</em> and selenium‑containing phycocyanin compared to their non‑enriched counterparts: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7, no. 5 (2025): 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.373
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