Chlorella Vulgaris: A Multifunctional Dietary Supplement With Diverse Medicinal Properties Publisher Pubmed



Panahi Y¹ ; Darvishi B² ; Jowzi N² ; Beiraghdar F³ ; Sahebkar A^{4, 5}
Source: Current Pharmaceutical Design Published:2015

Abstract

Chlorella vulgaris is a green unicellular microalgae with biological and pharmacological properties important for human health. C. vulgaris has a long history of use as a food source and contains a unique and diverse composition of functional macro- and micro-nutrients including proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. Clinical trials have suggested that supplementation with C. vulgaris can ameliorate amelioration hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, and protect against oxidative stress, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this review, we summarize the findings on the health benefits of Chlorella supplementation and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. © 2016 Bentham Science Publishers.