Formulation Strategies and Quality Considerations of Spirulina Tablets: A Comprehensive Review

Palak Pathania

Department of Pharmacy, Minerva College of Pharmacy, Indora (H.P), India.

Aman Kumar

Department of Pharmacy, Minerva College of Pharmacy, Indora (H.P), India.

Ritika Gupta *

Department of Quality Assurance, Minerva College of Pharmacy, Indora (H.P), India.

Kapil Kumar Verma

Department of Pharmacology, Minerva College of Pharmacy, Indora (H.P), India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Spirulina tablets from Arthrospira platensis biomass provide a nutrient-dense nutraceutical rich in 55–70% proteins, phycocyanin, GLA, and micronutrients, yet face formulation challenges including poor flow (Carr's index >25%), low compressibility, hygroscopicity, pigment instability, and sensory issues. This review consolidates preformulation characterization, targeted excipient strategies (co-processed MCC, super disintegrants, antioxidants), and optimized processes (wet/dry granulation enabling >80% loading) that yield robust tablets meeting hardness >5 kg/cm², friability <1%, disintegration <15 min, and phycocyanin retention >90%. Comprehensive quality control via ICP-MS heavy metal analysis (<0.5 ppm), ICH stability testing (40°C/75% RH >12 months), and Alu-Alu blister packaging ensures FDA cGMP, EFSA, and FSSAI compliance. Emerging innovations like effervescent/chewable formats, nano-phycocyanin, and 3D-printed polypills target the >$800M precision nutraceutical market by 2030, though IVIVC development, tablet-specific RCTs, and pharmacopeial monographs remain essential for qualified health claims and global scalability.

Keywords: Spirulina tablet formulation, nutraceutical quality control, Arthrospira platensis


How to Cite

Pathania, Palak, Aman Kumar, Ritika Gupta, and Kapil Kumar Verma. 2025. “Formulation Strategies and Quality Considerations of Spirulina Tablets: A Comprehensive Review”. Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences 27 (12):31-57. https://doi.org/10.9734/jamps/2025/v27i12836.

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