phycocyanin powder

Product Description

Phycocyanin

PC is found in cyanobacteria, Rhodophyceae, and Cryptophyceae and is called C-PC and R-PC according to the species. R-PC is a minor pigment in red microalgae.

Spirulina platensis is grown and harvested for its nutrient content. The dried and ground material contains 60% protein, 24% carbohydrate, 8% fat, and some vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is sold as a dietary supplement for humans and feed for some chickens and farmed fish. However, the safety of spirulina has come into question due to the possible presence of microcystin, a toxin produced by the bacteria. Spirulina may also contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Microcystin toxins are commonly encountered in lakes and marine environments as a result of algal blooms. Microcystin toxins kill fish and cause health problems for those swimming in contaminated waters. In food, purified phycocyanin is one of few natural compounds that provides a blue color.