Cyanobacteria phycocyanin, or C-phycocyanin (C-PC), is one of the natural blue colour-harvesting pigments of the phycobiliprotein groups in both cyanobacteria and red algae. It has attracted interest due to its effective antioxidant action and extensive health-promoting properties. In addition to acting as a natural dye, C-PC has been shown to have a high free radical scavenging ability that helps in mitigating the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Comprehensive research has demonstrated the bioactivity of C-PC, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, which positions C-PC as a promising nutraceutical candidate. Its uses are growing in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the scientific knowledge about their mechanisms of action, i.e., how C-PC exhibits these biological activities, still needs to be thoroughly understood. We must update our knowledge regarding this protein to explore the potential health benefits of C-PC. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the natural occurrence, potential functional activities, bioactive properties, and mechanisms of action of C-PC.
Cyanobacterial phycocyanin: An emerging green biomolecule with antioxidant activities and potential health benefits
Mastinu A.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Cyanobacteria phycocyanin, or C-phycocyanin (C-PC), is one of the natural blue colour-harvesting pigments of the phycobiliprotein groups in both cyanobacteria and red algae. It has attracted interest due to its effective antioxidant action and extensive health-promoting properties. In addition to acting as a natural dye, C-PC has been shown to have a high free radical scavenging ability that helps in mitigating the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. Comprehensive research has demonstrated the bioactivity of C-PC, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, which positions C-PC as a promising nutraceutical candidate. Its uses are growing in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the scientific knowledge about their mechanisms of action, i.e., how C-PC exhibits these biological activities, still needs to be thoroughly understood. We must update our knowledge regarding this protein to explore the potential health benefits of C-PC. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the natural occurrence, potential functional activities, bioactive properties, and mechanisms of action of C-PC.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
