Phycocyanin and Cancer Models: A Review of Preclinical Research

Research note: Phycocyanin is an isolated pigment-protein compound discussed in this review. It is not the same as eating whole Spirulina or SPRU.

What the review covers

Jiang and colleagues (2017) reviewed studies of phycocyanin in cancer models, including cell and animal experiments, and discussed proposed mechanisms such as cell-cycle changes and apoptosis.

What the review does not show

A review of experimental studies is not a clinical trial. The cited review itself notes that phycocyanin was not being used clinically as an anticancer drug and that further work was needed. It does not establish that phycocyanin or Spirulina treats cancer, improves chemotherapy, or reduces treatment side effects in patients.

Source

Jiang et al. (2017), “Phycocyanin: A Potential Drug for Cancer Treatment” (review).