Phycocyanin: valuable component of spirulina

by Fresh Spirulina on December 5, 2016 in Spirulina

The Amazing Benefits of Phycocyanin

The Ultimate Superfood for Your Stem Cells

What is Phycocyanin by Eric Bakker ND – Candid Crusher (3:45)

Phycocyanin an anti-cholesterol, antioxidant, an anti-deposits, regeneration agent and detoxifier

Phycocyanin is a phytonutrient (a protein pigment) its natural light is blue and is present in Spirulina. Phycocyanin is the responsible component of the blue colour of the blue-green colour of the spirulina microalgae.

Phycocyanin – Valuable Component of Spirulina. Gives Spirulina its famous Blue-Green colour

The phycocyanin evolved billion years before the green chlorophyll and in fact, is considered to be the precursor of both chlorophyll and haemoglobin. Chlorophyll itself is very similar to haemoglobin.

Its properties are manifold and cross-organism but it is mainly designed and used for its invigorating characteristics of the immune system. It’s such properties and characteristics that cause phycocyanin to be extracted from the spirulina algae and be used as a supplement directed to help and assist the immune system. These characteristics make it very suitable in reinforcing the cell membrane, thus increasing the protection of cells from external attacks, such viruses for example.

Blue-Green Algae, cyanobacteria and phycocyanin

* Cyanobacteria – a division of microorganisms that are related to the bacteria but are capable of photosynthesis.
* Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for bright red, yellow and orange hues in many fruits and vegetables.

Chlorophyll’s molecular structure is almost identical to that of haemoglobin (Photo: Sparkle Wellness and Detox)

Phycocyanin is the main blue pigment of the microalga Spirulina and is specifically part of the cyanobacteria (spirulina is cyanobacteria). Cyanobacteria, not just spirulina, are present in almost all environments where there is light, water, carbon dioxide and minerals. They are found in environments known as “extremes”, such as hot water hot springs (up to 70°C), hypersaline or polar environments. Like plants, cyanobacteria perform a process of photosynthesis that releases oxygen. The Phycocyanin, as mentioned above, is part of the spirulina’s photosynthetic system (very similar to what the chlorophyll does) and is used in food. It is the only blue vegetable colouring allowed in Europe.

The Phycocyanin, as mentioned above, is part of the spirulina’s photosynthetic system (very similar to what the chlorophyll does) and is used in food. It is the only blue vegetable colouring allowed in Europe.

Chlorophyll vs. phycocyanin the difference – Compare to other algae and plants using chlorophyll and carotenoids the pigments of the cyanobacteria capture the light photons in a much wider wavelength spectrum. (Phycocyanin is responsible for that difference, it is a pigment, like chlorophyll, that capture light but stretching to the wider wavelength, thus allowing the plant to utilise more light for photosynthesis).

The wavelength of light (nanometers (nm))

It is evident that there is a wavelength zone in between 480 to 650nm where the “regular” chlorophyll does not absorb any light and in which the photosynthetic efficiency is very low. Thanks to their special pigments called Phycobiliproteins (phycocyanin is among them), cyanobacteria can capture wavelength light where that “regular” green chlorophyll is ineffective. The phycobiliproteins family absorb wavelengths between 490 and 570nm and phycocyanin absorbed wavelengths between 610 and 655 nm. The light energy captured by the phycocyanin is transformed by the plant cell into biochemical energy. It is likely that this ability to capture “special” light photons may explain some of the phycocyanin remarkable properties.

Numerous properties of phycocyanin and its indications

Phycocyanin, a blue health gem, it is the blue gold of spirulina. It has proven to be effective in combating many common and advanced health problems. Phycocyanin seems to be 6000 to 7000 times more active than spirulina itself and 20 times more potent than vitamin C.

1. It favours the differentiation of stem cells and therefore promotes the production of transport and defence cells in the circulation in our body.
   Recommended in case of tiredness, lack of iron, recovery after intense physical exertion.
2. Phycocyanin stops the development of “abnormal” cells. It prevents breakage of DNA strands and promotes repair. Enhances the enzymatic activity of the cell nucleus.
3. It exerts a modulating effect on the immune system thus reducing some of its excessive reactions and stimulating in a case of weakness.
   Recommended in case of weakness or excess of the immune system in a temporary or permanent way.
4. It has an antioxidant and antiradical action that protects the phospholipids of the cellular membranes and the connective tissues. It also conserves Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione and peroxidase, these antioxidants produced by our body, whose amount of production and effectiveness decreases with age. Its antioxidant effects accumulate with potent antioxidants that are part of the diet (vitamins C and E). Studies show that phycocyanin has antioxidant activity:
   • 70 times greater than SOD,
   • 16 times greater than vitamin E,
   • 20 times greater than vitamin C.

   Recommended for prevention of ageing and problems associated with old age.

5. Combating the replication and development of dangerous microorganisms, including those affecting children.
6. The detoxifying and protective action of excretory organs and filters Phycocyanin effectively reduces the toxicity of chemicals (heavy metals, medicines). It is advisable to consume consistently if you are ingesting chemicals.
   Spirulina polysaccharide and phycocyanin have the ability to fix toxins and expel them from the body, thus preventing them from depositing into the tissues and disrupting their functioning.
   Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals. Biochemical changes induced by phycocyanin can prevent or reduce the appearance of these stones.
   Recommended in case of dirt in the body (heavy metals), excess cholesterol. Cleaning and protection against heavy metals and other toxic substances.
7. Action on the metabolism of sugars
   Some studies have shown that phycocyanin reduces circulating glucose levels and mitigates the consequences in case of excess sugars.