Spirulina platensis is commonly called as Spirulina. It is a filamentous cyanobacterium, also known as blue-green algae that cannot be seen by naked eyes. It grows in shallow water in many places. Due to the high contents of proteins, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, it has been produced and consumed as a natural food supplement. It is known to have various beneficial effects such as anti-cancer, heptatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-allergic, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects.

S. platensis is regarded as an anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. Beside, it has anti-microbial property, and the highest anti-microbial activity is against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, A. niger, and C. ablicans. A recent scientific study demonstrated inhibitory effects of dietary S. platensis on UVB irradiation in the skin through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.