Last verified: 58 days ago
Phycocyanin Extract
Also known as: C-Phycocyanin, CPC, Blue Spirulina Extract, Spirulina phycocyanin, AFA phycocyanin, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Blue pigment from algae with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects — but only tested in animals so far.
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What it does
Phycocyanin is a blue pigment protein extracted from microalgae like Spirulina. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant effects, reduced inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and prostaglandin...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
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Found in
What the Science Says
Phycocyanin is a blue pigment protein extracted from microalgae like Spirulina. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant effects, reduced inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E2, and protected against oxidative damage in tissues including the liver, kidneys, and testes. One animal study also found it may influence fat metabolism and thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. No human clinical trials from the provided studies confirm these effects in people.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to fight inflammation in humans — all the studies are in mice and rats. No evidence it burns fat or treats obesity in people. Don't assume animal results translate to you. No proven dose for humans exists. Not a treatment for liver disease, infertility, or any medical condition.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Protects red blood cells and plasma from oxidative damage in lab (in vitro) tests.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Reduces TNF-alpha and nitric oxide levels in animals exposed to inflammatory triggers.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50–300 mg/kg in animal studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May protect liver and kidney tissue from alcohol-induced damage in rats.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50 mg/kg oral in rat studies
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Modulates fat-burning proteins in brown adipose tissue of obese mice.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 500 mg/kg body weight in mice
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic or bioavailability data in the provided studies. Animal studies used oral and intraperitoneal routes.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Zero human clinical trials in the provided evidence base — all findings are from animal studies
- Doses used in animal studies (50–500 mg/kg body weight) do not directly translate to human dosing
- Over 1,000 supplement products registered in NIH DSLD despite no clinical trial evidence
- Some algae sources (e.g., Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) can be contaminated with cyanotoxins if not properly tested
- EFSA safety evaluation suggests regulatory scrutiny is ongoing — long-term human safety not established
Products Containing Phycocyanin Extract
See how Phycocyanin Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Phycocyanin Extract do?
Blue pigment from algae with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects — but only tested in animals so far.
What is the effective dose of Phycocyanin Extract?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Phycocyanin Extract safe?
Zero human clinical trials in the provided evidence base — all findings are from animal studies
What doesn't Phycocyanin Extract do?
Not proven to fight inflammation in humans — all the studies are in mice and rats.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25