Overview of artisanal production and consumption of spirulina in southern Algeria: example of Tamanrasset

Bachir NABTI *, Nour BAMMOUNE, Hadjer MELIANI and Djamel BOUKHALFA

Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers-1, Algeria.
 
Research Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023, 22(02), 280–289.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2023.22.2.0087
Publication history: 
Received on 17 January 2023; revised on 27 February 2023; accepted on 01 March 2023
 
Abstract: 
Spirulina or Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium known for its nutritional properties. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the consumption and artisanal production of this microalgae in Tamanrasset in southern Algeria. The study demonstrates that there are three determining factors: temperature, light, and pH of the environment. The field survey provided information on the profile of consumers, mode, reason, and frequency of use. It also allowed for the identification of a profile of consumers who believe in the therapeutic virtues of spirulina, although it is only a dietary supplement, making chemical and pharmacological screening more than essential.
 
Keywords: 
Spirulina; Tamanrasset; Algeria; Artisanal production; Consumption
 
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