Effects of polysaccharide from spirulina platensis on the growth of HeLa cells

Objective To investigate the effects of polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on the growth of HeLa cells. Methods The antiproliferation activities of PSP on HeLa cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The morphologic changes of HeLa cells were observed under light microscope. Cells division cycle was measured by flow cytometry. Results It was showed that with the increase of PSP concentration, the inhibited rate on HeLa cells increased and the survived rate declined; The HeLa cells exposed to PSP for 24～48h displayed significant morphologic changes; PSP had a specific effect on the HeLa cell division cycle, increased the number of cells in phase G 1. Conclusion These results indicated that the effects of PSP on HeLa cells may probably be attributed to increase of the number of cells in phase G 1.