Hot water extract of Arthrospira maxima (AHWE) has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against RNA virus including coronavirus SARS-CoV2, and the antivirus spray application

The emergence and re-emergence of RNA virus outbreaks highlight the urgent need for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Arthrospira maxima has be used as a food source for a long time, and the protein or polysaccharide fractions were evidenced to have antiviral activity, therefore we examined the antiviral efficacy of hot water extract from Arthrospira maxima (AHWE), on Enterovirus 71 (EV71), Influenza virus, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Ebola virus, and Coronavirus for antiviral spray application. In this study, we demonstrated that the AHWE shown 90 to 100% inhibition rate on the plaque formation of EV71, HSV-1, HSV-2, influenza virus, RSV, 229E and SARS-COV2 at virus attachment stage, and the long-lasting protection study also found while the AHWE was pre-exposed to the open air for more than 4 hours in plaque reduction assay. In addition, AHWE also had inhibitory effect on Ebola virus replication at 500 ug/ml. Finally, AHWE also shown no toxicity and skin sensitivity that imply it could be safe for future clinical use if approved by FDA. In conclusion, this study suggests that AHWE could be developed as a potential broad-spectrum antivirus spray product and therapeutic agent.

Arthrospira maxima Paradoxical Effect on Trypanosoma cruzi-Infection

Background: There are only two anti-trypanocidal drugs available, both have a lot of side effects. This is the pioneer study designed to evaluate the Arthrospira maxima effect in Trypanosoma cruzi -infected mice and macrophages. effect in Trypanosoma cruzi -infected mice and macrophages. Methods: A. maxima was administered in vivo, and in vitro (120µL/mL; 200 µL/mL; 500 µL/mL; 852 µL/mL) as prophylaxis, and treatment. In vitro, phagocytosis and viability were measured in macrophages cultures supplemented with A. maxima, and T. cruzi-infected. In vivo A. maxima was supplemented to T. cruziinfected mice in order to obtain the parasitemia curves, parasite amount, and histopathologic changes. This assay was performed in Biological Sciences National School of National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, in 2019. Results: In vivo, A. maxima administration exacerbates the immune innate host´s response, followed by mice early death. In vitro, A. maxima supplementation promote T. cruzi- macrophage phagocytosis, but also a sooner T. cruzi- infected macrophage death. Conclusion: A. maxima administration overactive the immune system, decreasing the parasitemia, but causing a severe tissue damage. Then, this nutraceutical has a paradoxical effect on intracellular parasitic infections such as Chagas disease.

Effect of Arthrospira maxima and Chlorella vulgaris to Lipid Profile and Visceral Fat Index Alteration in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemia Rats

Arthrospira maxima and Chlorella vulgaris contain protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and many micronutrients. Those compounds have potency of antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. maxima and C. vulgaris powder administration on alteration of body weight, lipid profile, glucose levels, and visceral fat index of hyperglycemia rats. Twenty male rats were divided into 5 groups i.e. negative control (NC), hyperglycemia control (HC), metformin (M), A. maxima (AR), and C. vulgaris (CH). Body weight and visceral fat index were measured and calculated by semianalytic and analytical scales. Serum glucose levels were measured by Easy Touch GCU (Glucose, Cholesterol, Uric acid). Lipid profile levels were measured using the photometric enzymatic method. The results showed no differences in body weight between groups, except in AR group was found significantly decreased in body weight on the 20th day. Glucose serum, total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels in microalgae treatment groups were not significantly different be compare to control group. LDL levels of D30 significantly different from D0, but neither between groups. The visceral fat index of a control group was higher compared to that of a microalgae group and significantly different. In conclusion, the administration of microalgae A. maxima and C. vulgaris for 30 days are effective to reduce visceral fat index but not effective to maintain body weight, glucose level, as well as not effective to improve lipid profile.