Chapter 6

Therapeutic applications of cyanobacteria with emphasis on their economics

Rathinam Raja

IBB/CGB, Faculty of Sciences & Technology, Food Science Laboratory, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005‐139, Portugal

Search for more papers by this author
Shanmugam Hemaiswarya

IBB/CGB, Faculty of Sciences & Technology, Food Science Laboratory, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005‐139, Portugal

Search for more papers by this author
Isabel S. Carvalho

IBB/CGB, Faculty of Sciences & Technology, Food Science Laboratory, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005‐139, Portugal

Search for more papers by this author
Venkatesan Ganesan

Acme Progen Biotech (India) Ltd., Advaitha Ashram Road, Salem‐636 004, Tamil Nadu India

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 30 November 2013

Summary

This chapter briefly reviews the therapeutic potential (not other bioactive potentials) of cyanobacteria with major emphasis on the economics of their industrial‐level production. The majority of the bioactive compounds isolated from cyanobacteria tend to be lipopeptides (66%) with different activities. When taken with or before a potential antigen threat, cyanobacteria may enhance IgA levels to protect against food allergies. This property could be useful in the treatment of diseases involving suppressed immune systems and responses such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions. The chapter highlights the areas that are important in the economics for various management scenarios.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.