Effects of Cyano-Phycocyanin on Skin and Future Perspectives in Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Cyano-phycocyanin is one of the active pigments of the blue-green algae and is usuallyisolated from the filamentous cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) [1]. Due to its multiple physiological functions and non-toxicity, cyano-phycocyanin may be a potential substance for the topical treatment of various skin diseases. Considering that conventional medicine faces drug resistance, insufficient efficacy and side effects, the plant origin compounds can act as an alternativeoption. The aim of this study was to review the wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiinflammatory, antimelanogenic and anticancer properties and mechanisms of Cyano-phycocyanintopical activities on human skin. Moreover, possible applications and biotechnological requirementsfor pharmaceutical forms of Cyano-phycocyanin for the treatment of various skin diseases werediscussed in this review. Conclusions: The studies disclosed that C-PC significantly contributes to wound healing and tissue regeneration by inducing fibroblast proliferation and enhancing cellular migration [2]. In addition, CPC induces morphological changes in the bacterial cell walls and membranes and is more effective against gram-positive bacteria [3]. Due to the inhibition of ROS production and antimelanogenic properties C-PC can be considered as a potential compound to slowdown the aging process of the skin. It is worth noting that the purity of C-PC has a significant effect on antimicrobial and antioxidative activity. C-PC is a natural anti-inflammatory agent with a stronger selective COX-2 inhibitory properties compared to celecoxib and rofecoxib [1]. Based on the reviewed studies, it can be stated that C-PC has a clear potential in cancer treatment due to antioxidative effect, the ability to inhibit COX-2 expression, reduce PGE2 level and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. Considering that C-PC could induce the activation of pro-apoptotic gene and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene expression, C-PC could be further investigated for the treatment of skin cancer as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents to reduce tumor resistance to chemotherapy treatment and side effects [4-6]. The adoption of modern nanotechnologies and stabilizers usage could ensure C-PC stability, absorption to key skin layers and the applications of C-PC to the topical treatment of various skin diseases.