Phycocyanin

Phycocyanin is light harvesting, pigment binding protein isolated from algae (e.g. Spirulina). In Japan and China phycocyanin used as a usual coloring agent in dairy and nutritional like jellies, gums, candies, beverages and cosmetics products.
See also : Spirulina

Health Benefits and Uses of Phycocyanin

• COVID-19 / SARS belongs to the large family of viruses (coronaviridae), which induces disorders such as diarrhoea, fever, cough, sneezing, difficulty breathing, upper and lower respiratory tract infections and death if untreated. With the world looking for immediate relief whether through medicines or vaccines, we have taken into account the blue-green algae, Spirulina platensis, well known for its antiviral properties, in addition to its high nutritional value. More specifically, we targeted one of the important ingredients, C-Phycocyanine, for its antiviral properties, inparticular against SARS-CoV-2 via in-silicoapproaches. Initial results clearly show that C-Phycocyanine interacts with the nsp12 RoRp of SARS-CoV-2, which is the target of several drugs.

References

• SPIRULINA C-PHYCOCYANIN INHIBITS THE NSP12 REQUIRED FOR REPLICATION OF SRAS-COV-2: A NEW IN-SILICO FINDING Kiran Raj 1, R. Ranjithkumar 2, BM Kanthesh 3 and TS Gopenath