The Consumer Guide to Spirulina
In This Guide... Spirulina is various species of primitive blue green algae—most commonly Spirulina maxima and S. platensis. These microscopic aquatic plants grow naturally in some lakes in Central and South America and Africa, although much of the supplement supply comes from spirulina grown in special outdoor tanks located in California, Hawaii, and Asia. After harvesting the spirulina is dried and processed into powder or flakes.
Benefits and uses: Natives of Mexico and central Africa have been eating spirulina since ancient times. People who take spirulina today often report increased energy, better overall mood and mental performance, fewer episodes of cold and flu, loss of unwanted body weight, reduced cholesterol levels, protection from the effects of radiation, and other health benefits. Within the past few years scientific research has begun to confirm antiviral, anti-allergic, liver-protective, antioxidant, immune-boosting, and other therapeutic effects.
Recent findings:In one of the few human studies done on spirulina, Indian researchers found that the algae can significantly reduce the rate of oral cancers. Recent animal studies done on spirulina have documented enhanced disease resistance, protection of the liver, and an inhibition of allergic reactions from spirulina.
Safety: Spirulina is basically a whole food rather than an herb or nutrient, and as such is very safe. A few people have experienced allergic reactions to spirulina. Experiments in which animals were fed large amounts of spirulina have not found it to be toxic or to cause any adverse health effects. It is possible, however, for spirulina grown in contaminated water to concentrate toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Benefits and Uses
Do Scientists Know How It Works?
Recent Findings
Safety
Types Of Products
Referecnces
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- Ayehunie, S., et al., "Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by an aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis)," J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol (1998), 18(1): 7–12
- Matthew, B., et al., "Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis," Nutr Cancer (1995), 24(2):197–202
- Qureshi, M.A., and R.A. Ali, "Spirulina platensis exposure enhances macrophage phagocytic function in cats," Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol (1996), 18(3):457–63
- Torres-Duran, P.V., et al., "Spirulina maxima prevents induction of fatty liver by carbon tetrachloride in the rat," Biochem Mol Biol Int (1998), 44(4):787–93
- Vadiraja BB, Gaikwad NW, Madyastha KM. Hepatoprotective effect of C-phycocyanin: protection for carbon tetrachloride and R-(+)- pulegone-mediated hepatotoxicty in rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998 Aug 19;249(2):428-31.
- Kim, H.M., et al., "Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by spirulina," Biochem Pharmacol (1998), 55(7):1071–76
- Chamorro, G., et al., "[Pharmacology and toxicology of Spirulina alga]," Rev Invest Clin (1996), 48(5):389–99
- Johnson, P.E., and L.E. Shubert, "Accumulation of mercury and other elements by spirulina (cyanophyceae)," Nutr Rep Intl (1986), 34(6):1063–71
- Miranda MS, et al. Antioxidant activity of the microalga Spirulina maxima. Med Biol Res 1998 Aug;31(8):1075-9.
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