Spirulina is emerging as a superior natural intervention against pollution-related disorders, particularly relevant in India’s urban and industrial zones where air, water, and soil pollution contribute to a rising burden of respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Spirulina’s rich antioxidant profile—comprising phycocyanin, β-carotene, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and chlorophyll—plays a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigating oxidative stress induced by particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals, pesticides, and vehicular emissions (Riss et al., 2007; Romay et al., 2003). Experimental studies demonstrate that Spirulina significantly protects against lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury toxicity, enhancing liver and kidney detoxification through modulation of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and cytochrome P450 enzymes (Farooq et al., 2012). In populations exposed to industrial pollutants, Spirulina supplementation has been shown to lower biomarkers of inflammation (CRP, TNF-α), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and DNA damage (El Desoky et al., 2013). Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects help counteract pollution-induced respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis, while preserving lung function. With India facing an epidemic of pollution-related morbidity, Spirulina stands as a best-in-category, multi-functional nutraceutical for prevention and mitigation of environmental toxicity and oxidative tissue damage.
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