Both Arthrospira and Spirulina is the member of Cyanophyceae. But in some texts, Spirulina is considered as the supplement material of Arthrospira platensis. So, are these both the names of a single genus or is Spirulina the other genus of Cyanophyceae family.
Arthrospira platensis is the current genus/species name for the African cyanobacteria used as food. It was previously referred to as Spirulina platensis, but re-examination showed that it is only superficially similar to the Spirulina genus.
But because it was widely publicized as a food and dietary supplement, I believe that most current commercial 'Spirulina' is actually Arthrospira platensis. There are other species of 'true' Spirulina as well.
Thank you sir for your answer. Can I conclude that in research papers, spirulina sp. (except platensis) are true spirulina?
Dear Swati: As mentioned by our colleague Douglas, several species of Spirulina have now been recognized as members of the genus Arthrospira, regardless of recognizing these synonyms Arthrospira and Spirulina are definitely two different genera. I do not think the mere mention of a species of Spirulina in any publication without backup taxonomic description, should be considered Arthrospira. Best wishes, Rosaluz
Thanks this means that Arthrospira is more scientific name for platensis species
Final conclusion Spirulina that we generaly use= Spirulina Platensis= Arthrospira Platensis.
Spirulina is considered now the trade name but Arthrospira platensis is the scientific name.
Please take a look at this useful RG link.
Article Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications
Please also take a look at these useful links.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=118562
https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=24749
https://www.uniprot.org/taxonomy/118562
Arthrospira platensis is the scientific name of spirulina platensis but there are true spirulina as well.
Spirulina is now considered as a "trade name" while Arthrospira platensis is considered a scientific name.
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