Radioprotective Effect of Spirulina Platensis on Head and Neck Radiation-Induced Xerostomia

Radiotherapy relating to the head and neck is often accompanied by side effects with varying degrees of xerostomia. Spirulina has high nutritional value due its content. The current study aims to establish, the possible effect of Spirulina on salivary dysfunction. A total of 36 male, Wistar Strain Rattus Norvegicus weighing 200-250 grams were divided into six groups: the normal control, subjects only irradiated as the negative control, subjects which received 300 gr/ kgBW of Spirulina (obtained from DXN) and were irradiated, subjects which received 300 mg/ kgBW of Spirulina and were irradiated, subjects which received 600 mg/ kgBW of Spirulina and irradiated, subjects which received Spirulina 900 mg/ kgBW and irradiated. Spirulina was administered for seven days before and during five days of X-ray irradiation. 24 hours after the final fractionation, blood and the submandibular gland were collected and analyzed to determine their levels of F2-isoprostane, caspase-3 expression, and AQP5 expression. Spirulina was able to reduce F2-isoprostane levels and decrease caspase-3 and while also increasing AQP5 expression. Spirulina with various antioxidant content can prevent xerostomia caused by head and neck radiotherapy. The study showed that 600 mg/kgBW Spirulina was an effective dose.