Spirulina fusiformis: A Food Supplement against Mercury Induced Hepatic Toxicity

Abstract

The protective effect of Spirulina fusiformis extract against mercury toxicity studied in Swiss albino mice. Animals treated with HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg b.wt. i.p.) showed a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation level (LPO), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) activity. However, a marked decline in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) content was recorded. Whereas, animals treated with Spirulina fusiformis extract (800 mg/kg b.wt. orally) before and after mercury intoxication showed a significant decrease in LPO level, AST and ALT activity and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and GSH content. Spirulina fusiformis alone treatment did not alter reduced glutathione, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase activity but significantly diminishes the LPO level. Thus, the results obtained from the present study suggest that oral administration of Spirulina fusiformis extract provides protection against mercuric chloride induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice.