Phycocyanin powder is a pigment-protein complex from the light-harvesting phycobiliprotein family, along with allophycocyanin and phycoerythrin. It is an accessory pigment to chlorophyll. All phycobiliproteins are water-soluble, so they cannot exist within the membrane-like carotenoids can.

It is natural light blue colorant extracted from blue-green algae (Spirulina ). It`s good water-soluble, Alcohol and lipid insoluble. Phycocyanin accounts for as much as 20% protein and attaches itself to photosynthesizing membranes, also its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It`s an accessory pigment to chlorophyll.Phycocyanin is derived from C-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin which have fluorescent properties that are valuable to researchers in immune assay kits. Phycocyanin powder is selective about which cells it attaches to, making it simple to track down.

Phycocyanin is generally a blue particle or powder, belonging to protein binding pigment, so it has the same properties as protein, and its isoelectric point is 3.4. Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol and grease. It is unstable to heat, light and acid. It is stable in weak acid and neutral (pH4.5-8), precipitates in acid (pH4.2), and decolorizes in strong alkali.
 

Functions:

1. Phycocyanin powder has powerful anti-inflammatory properties;

2. It used to protect and improves liver function;

3. It is a powerful anti-oxidant radical, protect cells against DNA damage;

4. It is a water-soluble pigment, non-toxic, pure, lovely clear, can be used as a food coloring agent, cosmetic additives.

Applications:

1. Natural food colorant: Food and beverage (gum, candy, ice cream, blue smoothies, frozen desserts, puddings, solid beverages, baking, noodles, etc).

2. Cosmetic field: It has functions like anti-allergy, antioxidant, moisturizing, antiphlogistic, etc.

3. Medical and health care: dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals.

Numerous properties of phycocyanin and its indications

Phycocyanin, a blue health gem, is the blue gold of spirulina. It has proven to be effective in combating many common and advanced health problems. Phycocyanin seems to be 6000 to 7000 times more active than spirulina itself and 20 times more potent than vitamin C.

1. It favours the differentiation of stem cells and therefore promotes the production of transport and defence cells in the circulation in our body.
   Recommended in case of tiredness, lack of iron, and recovery after intense physical exertion.
2. Phycocyanin stops the development of “abnormal” cells. It prevents the breakage of DNA strands and promotes repair. Enhances the enzymatic activity of the cell nucleus.
3. It exerts a modulating effect on the immune system thus reducing some of its excessive reactions and stimulating in a case of weakness.
   Recommended in case of weakness or excess of the immune system in a temporary or permanent way.
4. It has an antioxidant and antiradical action that protects the phospholipids of the cellular membranes and the connective tissues. It also conserves Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione and peroxidase, these antioxidants produced by our body, whose amount of production and effectiveness decreases with age. Its antioxidant effects accumulate with potent antioxidants that are part of the diet (vitamins C and E). Studies show that phycocyanin has antioxidant activity:
   • 70 times greater than SOD,
   • 16 times greater than vitamin E,
   • 20 times greater than vitamin C.

   Recommended for prevention of ageing and problems associated with old age.

5. Combating the replication and development of dangerous microorganisms, including those affecting children.
6. The detoxifying and protective action of excretory organs and filters Phycocyanin effectively reduces the toxicity of chemicals (heavy metals, medicines). It is advisable to consume consistently if you are ingesting chemicals.
7. Spirulina polysaccharide and phycocyanin have the ability to fix toxins and expel them from the body, thus preventing them from depositing into the tissues and disrupting their functioning.
8. Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals. Biochemical changes induced by phycocyanin can prevent or reduce the appearance of these stones.
9. Recommended in case of dirt in the body (heavy metals), and excess cholesterol. Cleaning and protection against heavy metals and other toxic substances.
10. Action on the metabolism of sugars.
    Some studies have shown that phycocyanin reduces circulating glucose levels and mitigates the consequences in case of excess sugars.