Nutraceutical properties of phycocyanin

Phycocyanin (PC) is one of the main pigments of the algae Spirulina, which is used as a dietary supplement due to its high protein content. PC is a protein from the phycobiliprotein family characterized by its intense blue color and its structure consists of a protein and nonprotein components known as phycocyanobilin. PC scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) and prevents oxidative damage that may explain, at least in part, its beneficial effects. This review focuses on the beneficial characteristics and properties of PC emphasizing the antioxidant activity on in vitro and in vivo models. The use of PC in clinical trials is warranted. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.