Herbs & Supplements

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Uses

Note: Although spirulina species are only a few of the many types of blue-green algae, the name spirulina is often used to identify the whole group of edible blue-green algae.

Spirulina has many potential medicinal uses. First, it contains antioxidants such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation, which breaks foods down into components the body can use for energy. Oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function and damage body cells, also result from oxidation. Both beta carotene and zeaxanthin decrease the activity of oxygen free radicals. In addition, zeaxanthin is thought to strengthen the retina of the eyes, helping to prevent macular degeneration--a condition that distorts or destroys sight as parts of the eye deteriorate. Early results from ongoing animal studies indicate that the antioxidants in spirulina may also help to prevent a type of kidney stones that are caused by chemicals known as oxalates. Spirulina may also help to protect against damage that certain prescription drugs may cause to body organs.

Second, in laboratory, animal, and human studies, spirulina has shown some ability to enhance immune function and lessen allergic response. In a study of middle-aged men, increased immune system function lasted up to 6 months after the study participants stopped taking spirulina. Results of animal studies suggest that spirulina may increase the production of anti-inflammatory chemicals known as interferons and interleukins. It may also block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine release, spirulina may prevent or lessen histamine's effects, which include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production. In one small study of children who had high levels of an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), dietary supplementation with spirulina seemed to help their IgE return to near normal levels. IgE may be one indicator of an allergic response.

Both the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of spirulina may give it some anticancer properties. Spirulina appears to have additional anticancer effects, as well--possibly by promoting the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, a natural body chemical that attacks tumor cells. In several studies of laboratory animals, spirulina prevented the development and spread of experimentally produced cancers. In other animal studies, when extracts of spirulina were injected into already existing cancerous tumors, the tumors stopped spreading and some disappeared completely. One human study involved individuals who had oral leukoplakia, a condition of the mouth that usually develops into cancer if it is not treated. Oral use of spirulina for one year prevented the progression from leukoplakia to cancer in 45% of the study participants. More human studies are underway to confirm the exact anticancer effects that spirulina might have.

Additionally, spirulina has shown antiviral effects in laboratory cultures and animal studies. In several of the published studies, the entrance of viral cells into host cells appeared to be blocked. Spirulina may also prevent, delay, or decrease viral cell division through actions that are not yet understood. In some studies, several viruses, including HIV--the virus that causes AIDS--were apparently killed or damaged by spirulina or chemicals derived from it. At least one group of researchers proposes that regular consumption of algae may help prevent or lessen infections by viruses including cytomegalovirus, herpes, and influenza. Results from laboratory and animal studies support these antiviral effects to some extent, but much more study is needed to prove spirulina's possible role in the treatment and prevention of viral diseases.

Early results from animal studies and a few human studies suggest that spirulina supplementation may also prevent or treat numerous other conditions, but all of these potential uses for spirulina need much more research.

In one study of individuals with diabetes, spirulina has shown the ability to lower blood sugar levels--a result confirmed by animal research but not in further human studies.

Although spirulina has also been promoted as a weight reduction aid, only one small human study supports this use.

In several studies of both animals and humans, taking spirulina has lowered cholesterol levels significantly more that placebo (inactive sugar pills). One theory is that spirulina blocks the body's absorption of fat by decreasing production of enzymes that break down fats in the body. It may also promote the elimination of bile, causing the body to use more cholesterol from food to manufacture additional bile.

Phycocyanin, a chemical derived from spirulina, has been shown in animal studies to block the action of an enzyme known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Decreased COX-2 activity may provide pain relief from conditions such as arthritis.

In additional animal studies, spirulina may have protected against cell damage caused by radiation, prevented liver damage due to environmental poisons such lead or limited kidney damage from drugs such as cyclosporine. In Asia, humans who have chronic arsenic toxicity due to drinking contaminated water, have been treated successfully with a combination of spirulina and zinc.