Food safety, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities, and in vivo protein quality of microalga Scenedesmus obliquus in Wistar rats

The present study evaluated the safety of dietary administration of the microalga Scenedesmus obliquus at high doses, the influence on blood biochemical profile, and in vivo protein quality in male Wistar rats. The microalga exhibited a high amount of fibers, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, linolenic and linoleic acid, and great antioxidant activity. The diet containing Scenedesmus obliquus was well tolerated, with good protein digestibility and maintenance of growth and weight of the animals. The intake of the microalga reduced triglycerides of up to 70%, atherogenic index of up to 80%, and serum glucose of up to 42% concentrations as compared with the standard diet. No alterations were observed in the analyzed organs by histology, suggesting that the microalga Scenedesmus obliquus can be used as potential safe food and may represent a sustainable source of food.