Peeling Education from Remote CountriesSURAKARTA – The Vocational School (SV) Pharmacy Study Program (SV) of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta is developing an immune support supplement product from the food ingredient Spirulina platensis.Not alone, in its development, the SV UNS Pharmacy Study Program collaborated with PT Brigit Biofarmaka.Head of the D3 Pharmacy Study Program at SV UNS, Anif Nur Artanti, S.Farm., M.Sc., Apt.said that Spirulina platensis was chosen because of its complete phytonutrient content or natural compounds.On the other hand, Spirulina platensis can also increase the activation of macrophage cells and the production of cytokines as well as stimulate effective antibodies to enhance the immune response.According to Anif, this is very in line with the conditions in the world that are facing the Covid-19 pandemic.Where the body must consume foods that are able to increase and balance immunity, because diseases caused by viral infections generally attack the body in conditions of fatigue, stress, or with an irregular eating pattern."So Spirulina platensis is very good for the body as a super food.It contains 60-70% protein, 20-25% carbohydrates, 3-5% fat, 5-8% minerals and vitamins, also 2-5% water.Spirulina platensis plays a role in stabilizing the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin," Anif explained on the uns.ac.id page (11/6/2020).In terms of material safety, several research results show that Spirulina platensis is a safe and natural food ingredient.With concentrated nutritional support for optimal health and well-being.The multifunctional role of Spirulina platensis species makes it an ideal natural remedy for prevention (prophylaxis) and therapy with enormous benefits.“Judging from its characteristics, Spirulina platensis microalgae also has the potential as a raw material source of antioxidant compounds.Which can be used for cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceutical preparations that are beneficial to the body," Anif added.Not only Covid-19, several other viral diseases can also be relieved by Spirulina platensis.The polysaccharide content in spirulina is reported to be able to inhibit the replication of several viruses such as herpesvirus simplex, influenza virus, measles virus, mumps virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1).In fact, said Anif, Spirulina platensis extract has the potential to be developed into a therapy that can help Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients live longer normal lives.These various advantages are further proven by the fact that Spirulina platensis has been used as a food ingredient since 400 years ago and has been developed in various countries.Moreover, Spirulina platensis is easy to cultivate and harvest and is easily digested by humans.However, Anif said, further research is needed for the development carried out by the D3 Pharmacy SV UNS."The aim is to dig deeper into the potential of immunostimulators and immunomodulators of each chemical component in Spirulina platensis," concluded Anif.(Siedoo)