Phycocyanin is a phycobiliprotein — a pigment protein bound to a chromophore, phycocyanobiline, giving it an intense blue colour. In living spirulina, it plays a key role in photosynthesis by capturing light energy. What makes it unique among antioxidants: its ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is commonly cited as many times higher than that of vitamin C or vitamin E; it can neutralise both oxygen- and nitrogen-based free radicals, a dual action few antioxidants offer; and being water-soluble (unlike CoQ10, vitamin E or astaxanthin), it protects the aqueous compartments of cells. Whole spirulina contains around 10-15% phycocyanin, so one 200mg capsule of pure phycocyanin is roughly equivalent to the phycocyanin found in 1.5 to 2g of spirulina.

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The two approaches are complementary, not competing. Whole spirulina (tablets or powder) provides a complete nutritional profile — 60-70% protein, iron, B12, beta-carotene, GLA, chlorophyll and phycocyanin — a genuine superfood. Concentrated phycocyanin isolates and concentrates just the phycocyanin for a targeted, potent antioxidant dose: 200mg per capsule is a level that would require 15 to 20 spirulina tablets to match. For complete coverage: whole spirulina daily for overall nutrition, plus a concentrated phycocyanin course for a targeted antioxidant boost.

Life’s Code is a French laboratory specialising in high-quality phycocyanin. Their process uses 100% cold extraction (heat destroys phycocyanin’s biological activity) and freeze-drying rather than spray-drying — freeze-drying preserves around 95% of biological activity, against 50-70% for standard spray-drying. Each capsule delivers 200mg of pure phycocyanin, one of the highest doses on the market, in a pullulan capsule (a natural plant-based polymer, not HPMC) that forms an oxygen-impermeable barrier. No preservatives, sugar or flavourings are added, and the product is packaged in France in a laboratory certified Organic, ISO 22000 and GMP.

Take 1 capsule (200mg) per day, ideally in the morning. 30 capsules provide a 1-month course; the 90-capsule format is also available for longer, 3-month courses. Recommended pairings: whole spirulina (for overall nutrition), astaxanthin (a fat-soluble antioxidant complementing water-soluble phycocyanin), CoQ10/Ubiquinol (mitochondrial support), and Omega-3 (phycocyanin helps protect these oxidation-sensitive fats). This supplement particularly suits endurance athletes, people exposed to pollution, and those looking for cellular antioxidant support.

Not recommended for people allergic to spirulina. Not recommended for pregnant women without medical advice. Food supplement — not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

What is the difference between spirulina and phycocyanin?

Spirulina is the whole organism (protein, vitamins, minerals, pigments). Phycocyanin is a pigment extracted and concentrated from spirulina, targeting antioxidant action specifically. The two are complementary.

Is phycocyanin vegan?

Yes, 100% plant-based — extracted from spirulina (a cyanobacterium), in a pullulan (plant polymer) capsule.

Where can I buy phycocyanin in Paris?

Phycocyanin 200mg by Life’s Code is sold at Herba Barona, 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12, Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.