Davide Augusto Castagna

Davide Augusto Castagna


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 May 2021 in Marine Drugs
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Vincenzo SorrentiVincenzo Sorrenti
Vincenzo Sorrenti
DCDavide Augusto Castagna
Davide Augusto Castagna
Stefano FortinguerraStefano Fortinguerra
Stefano Fortinguerra
ABAlessandro Buriani
Alessandro Buriani
GSGiovanni Scapagnini
Giovanni Scapagnini
DWDonald Craig Willcox Donald Craig Willcox
Donald Craig Willcox Donald Craig Willcox
Spirulina microalgae contain a plethora of nutrient and non-nutrient molecules providing brain health benefits. Numerous in vivo evidence has provided support for the brain health potential of spirulina, highlighting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms. Preliminary clinical studies have also suggested that spirulina can help to reduce mental fatigue, protect the vascular wall of brain vessels from endothelial damage and regulate internal pressure, thus contributing to the prevention and/or mitigating of cerebrovascular conditions. Furthermore, the use of spirulina in malnourished children appears to ameliorate motor, language, and cognitive skills, suggesting a reinforcing role in developmental mechanisms. Evidence of the central effect of spirulina on appetite regulation has also been shown. This review aims to understand the applicative potential of spirulina microalgae in the prevention and mitigation of brain disorders, highlighting the nutritional value of this “superfood”, and providing the current knowledge on relevant molecular mechanisms in the brain associated with its dietary introduction.