Introduction: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose is a leading cause of acute hepatic necrosis, driven by formation of the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), glutathione depletion, and oxidative stress. Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium rich in phycocyanin and antioxidant micronutrients, has been proposed as a hepatoprotective supplement. We investigated Spirulina’s prophylactic and therapeutic effects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in adult male Syrian mice.
Methods: Adult male Syrian mice were allocated to five groups: (1) control (vehicle only), (2) Spirulina, (3) acetaminophen, (4) prevention (Spirulina + acetaminophen, co-administered), and (5) treatment (acetaminophen first, then Spirulina). Spirulina was given by oral gavage (≈600 mg/kg/day). Acetaminophen was administered at hepatotoxic dose (≈500 mg/kg/day; IP in DMSO where noted). After the treatment period (total ≈60 days across protocols), serum ALT, AST, and ALKP were quantified with standard clinical chemistry kits; group means ± SD were analyzed (p < 0.05).
Results: Mean ± SD (U/L):
Control: ALT 100 ± 15, AST 120 ± 20, ALKP 150 ± 25
Spirulina: ALT 95 ± 12, AST 115 ± 18, ALKP 145 ± 20 (no hepatotoxic effect)
Acetaminophen: ALT 300 ± 45*, AST 350 ± 50*, ALKP 280 ± 40* (marked elevation vs. control)
Prevention (Spirulina+APAP): ALT 160 ± 25**, AST 180 ± 30**, ALKP 200 ± 30**
Treatment (APAP→Spirulina): ALT 190 ± 30**, AST 220 ± 35**, ALKP 230 ± 35**
(*p < 0.05 vs. control; *improved vs. acetaminophen)
Relative to acetaminophen alone, Spirulina reduced enzyme elevations by ≈47–48% (ALT/AST) and ≈29% (ALKP) in the prevention arm; the treatment arm also improved enzymes, though less (≈18–37%).
Conclusion: Spirulina platensis mitigates acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in mice, with stronger benefit when co-administered (prevention) than when given after injury (treatment). The protective effect is consistent with attenuation of oxidative stress and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses (e.g., SOD, catalase), and likely involves NF-κB pathway modulation. Spirulina appears safe at the tested dose.