Chlorella vulgaris as a functional food and nutraceutical: bioactive composition, health-promoting mechanisms, applications, and current challenges

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-dense food sources has intensified interest in microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris). This review explores the therapeutic potentials of C. vulgaris, as well as related mechanisms, hurdles, and prospects, signifying its ability to improve nutritional enhancement and disease risk reduction. It was found that C. vulgaris comprises alkaline earth metals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenolics, proteins, and pigments and therefore is considered a functional food, a feed supplement for fish farming, and stock feed. C. vulgaris exhibits significant nutraceutical potential with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory properties. Current findings have supported the multifaceted nutritional and health benefits of C. vulgaris. Moreover, ongoing exploration is uncovering further therapeutic potential, fostering its incorporation into dietary strategies for disease prevention and vitality promotion. The high macronutrient and micronutrient value, as well as various therapeutic properties, make C. vulgaris a reliable ingredient in the human diet, ranging from confectionery to beverages. However, its large-scale application in functional foods and dietary supplements is constrained by challenges such as limited bioavailability, sensory acceptance issues, production scalability, and regulatory barriers. Addressing these limitations, multi-omics approaches, and harmonized regulatory frameworks are recommended for a comprehensive understanding of C. vulgaris’s nutraceutical potential.