Fundamentos de una posible acción beneficiosa de la Spirulina platensis en las neuropatías periféricas

Summary Spirulina platensis is a green-blue microalga known by its high nutritional value and considered as one of the most complete natural sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The present paper analyzes the potential of this alga in the prevention and treatment of neuropathies on the basis of its main constituents and of the different causes of these disorders. Mention is made to the epidemic neuropathy epidemics occurred in Cuba and to the toxic-nutritional hypothesis as the probable cause of this outbreak. Various constituents of S.platensis play an important role in the nutritional balance, and participate in a special way in the maintenance of normal structure and functioning of the nervous system. Taking these antecedents as a basis, we suggest that this alga may have a possible beneficial effect on neurophatic disorders of various origins. Subject headings: ALGAL PROTEINS/therapeutic use; ALGAE; PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES/prevention & control.