Blue – Green Algae
Overview
Blue-green algae refers to several species of bacteria that produce blue-green colored pigments. They grow in salt water and some large fresh water lakes. They have been used for food for several centuries in Mexico and some African countries. They have been sold as a supplement in the US since the late 1970s.
Blue-green algae products are sometimes used by mouth as a protein supplement and for treating high blood pressure. Blue-green algae products are also used by mouth for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Some blue-green algae products are grown under controlled conditions. Others are grown in a natural setting, where they are more likely to be contaminated by bacteria, liver poisons (microcystins) produced by certain bacteria, and heavy metals. Choose only products that have been tested and found to be free of these contaminants.
You may have been told that blue-green algae are an excellent source of protein. But, in reality, blue-green algae are no better than meat or milk as a protein source and cost about 30 times as much per gram.
Classification
Is a Form of:
Bacteria
Primary Functions:
High blood pressure
Also Known As:
AFA, Algae, Algas Verdiazul, Algues Bleu-Vert, Algues Bleu-Vert du Lac Klamath, Anabaena
How Does It Work?
Blue-green algae have a high protein, iron, and other mineral content which is absorbed when taken orally. Blue-green algae are being researched for their potential effects on the immune system, swelling (inflammation), and viral infections.
Uses
- High blood pressure.Taking blue-green algae by mouth seems to reduce blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure.
Recommended Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For high blood pressure: 2-4.5 grams of blue-green algae per day has been used.
Blue – Green Algae Supplements Frequently Asked Questions
Are blue green algae supplements safe?
When taken by mouth: Blue-green algae products that are free of contaminants, such as liver-damaging substances called microcystins, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria, are POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used short-term. Doses up to 19 grams per day have been used safely for up to 2 months.
Is Spirulina the same as blue green algae?
Spirulina is an organism that grows in both fresh and salt water. It is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a family of single-celled microbes that are often referred to as blue-green algae.
What does Blue Green Algae do to humans?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
How do you treat Blue Green Algae?
Treatment of a surface water that is experiencing a blue-green algae bloom with an herbicide or algaecide may kill the blue-green algae, but any toxin(s) contained in the cells will be released at once, resulting in a slug of toxin(s) in the water.
What is blue algae good for?
Some people use blue-green algae for treating precancerous growths inside the mouth, twitching of the eyelids, boosting the immune system, improving memory, increasing energy and metabolism, improving exercise performance, lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, healing wounds, and improving digestion and bowel ..
What happens if you swim in water with blue green algae?
If you have contact (e.g., swimming, boating) with water containing blue green algae, it can cause: skin irritation and rash. sore throat. sore, red eyes.
How long does it take for blue green algae to make your dog sick?
Signs/Symptoms Your Dog May Have Ingested Blue-Green Algae:
Symptoms, which usually arise anywhere from 15 minutes to several days after exposure may include: Diarrhea or vomiting. Drooling.
Does blue green algae go away?
A: Blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, can multiply quickly in lakes with high nutrient levels, particularly when the water is warm and the weather is calm. ... A blue green algae bloom can also lie below the surface of the water. Blooms can spontaneously disappear or move to different parts of a pond or lake.
Does chlorine kill Blue Green Algae?
Green Algae: Green algae usually floats, but sometimes it attaches to walls. ... Blue-green algae are also chlorine resistant. This algae type forms a layered structure where the first layer can be killed by chlorine, but the bottom layers are protected.
Can fish survive in blue green algae?
Are fish caught from these waters safe to eat? The toxins produced by freshwater blue-green algae do not appear to bioaccumulate in fish and other edible aquatic life in lakes and rivers to the degree that they can in some seafood. Toxic results from consumption of freshwater animals have not been documented.
What foods contain blue green algae?
The dietary supplement industry touts the positive effect of algae products. The majority of commercialised products are based on blue-green algae such as Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae or green algae such as Chlorella. Algae food supplement manufacturers often advertise their products as “blue-green algae”.
What are the health risks of blue green algae?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
What causes blue green algae?
Causes. One key factor contributing to the growth of blue-green algae is the amount of available nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. Blue-green algal blooms can be caused by agricultural and stormwater runoff as well as leaching from septic systems.
How can you tell blue algae from regular algae?
There are, however, warning signs: The "blooms" tend to clump together near the surface water and could be anywhere from bright green to brownish. In general, if parts of the water appear to be thick and mucky, there's a chance it's because of blue-green algae.
How can you tell blue algae from regular algae?
There are, however, warning signs: The "blooms" tend to clump together near the surface water and could be anywhere from bright green to brownish. In general, if parts of the water appear to be thick and mucky, there's a chance it's because of blue-green algae.
How long do symptoms of blue green algae last?
How long after exposure do symptoms appear? Gastrointestinal effects may occur with 3-5 hours. Symptoms are generally mild; but can be severe and usually last 1-2 days.
Is green algae harmful in pool?
Algae is not harmful to swimmers per se, but pools with algae may also be a safe harbor for pathogens like E-coli bacteria. ... Algae create a chlorine demand in the water for itself, consuming chlorine that should be working on other contaminants. As it expels carbon dioxide, the pH level of pool water can rise.
How long will an algae bloom last?
How long do algal blooms last? Harmful algal blooms will remain as long as there are favourable conditions, including warmth, sunlight and low flow rates. Blooms can last from weeks to months and it is difficult to predict when they will clear.
What are the symptoms of blue green algae?
Others affect the liver and it takes days before symptoms appear. Symptoms from drinking water with cyanobacterial toxins include: headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers and blistering of the lips.
Does baking soda kill algae?
Bicarbonate, the active ingredient in the baking soda, is an effective spot treatment to help to kill the algae and loosen it from the wall. ... But with enough scrubbing, you can banish the black algae for good.
What is green algae good for?
Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria — often referred to as blue-green algae — that is incredibly healthy. It may improve your levels of blood lipids, suppress oxidation, reduce blood pressure and lower blood sugar.
Clinical Studies
- ^ a b c d e f Marles RJ, et al. United States pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. (2011)
- ^ a b c d Ciferri O. Spirulina, the edible microorganism. Microbiol Rev. (1983)
- ^ a b c d Habib MA, et al. A review on culture, production and use of spirulina as food for humans and feeds for domestic animals and fish. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular. (2008)
- ^ Kebede E, Ahlgren G. Optimum growth conditions and light utilization efficiency of Spirulina platensis (= Arthrospira fusiformis) (Cyanophyta) from Lake Chitu, Ethiopia. Hydrobiologia. (1996)
- ^ Liu Q, et al. Medical Application of Spirulina platensis Derived C-Phycocyanin. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2016)
- ^ a b c d McCarty MF. Clinical potential of Spirulina as a source of phycocyanobilin. J Med Food. (2007)
- ^ Chaiklahan R, et al. Separation and purification of phycocyanin from Spirulina sp. using a membrane process. Bioresour Technol. (2011)
- ^ a b McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Contreras F. Oral phycocyanobilin may diminish the pathogenicity of activated brain microglia in neurodegenerative disorders. Med Hypotheses. (2010)
- ^ a b Pugh N, et al. Isolation of three high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations with potent immunostimulatory activity from Spirulina platensis, aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Planta Med. (2001)
- ^ Colla LM, Bertolin TE, Costa JA. Fatty acids profile of Spirulina platensis grown under different temperatures and nitrogen concentrations. Z Naturforsch C. (2004)
- ^ Li ZY, et al. Effects of electromagnetic field on the batch cultivation and nutritional composition of Spirulina platensis in an air-lift photobioreactor. Bioresour Technol. (2007)
- ^ Watanabe F, et al. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). (2002)
- ^ Watanabe F, et al. Pseudovitamin B(12) is the predominant cobamide of an algal health food, spirulina tablets. J Agric Food Chem. (1999)
- ^ Park WS, et al. Two Classes of Pigments, Carotenoids and C-Phycocyanin, in Spirulina Powder and Their Antioxidant Activities. Molecules. (2018)
- ^ Soudy ID, et al. Vitamin A status in healthy women eating traditionally prepared spirulina (Dihé) in the Chad Lake area. PLoS One. (2018)
- ^ Wang J, et al. Vitamin A equivalence of spinach beta-carotene in human body. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. (2007)
- ^ Yu B, et al. Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans. Br J Nutr. (2012)
- ^ Hinds TD Jr, Stec DE. Bilirubin, a Cardiometabolic Signaling Molecule. Hypertension. (2018)
- ^ Panday A, et al. NADPH oxidases: an overview from structure to innate immunity-associated pathologies. Cell Mol Immunol. (2015)
- ^ Bedard K, Krause KH. The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases: physiology and pathophysiology. Physiol Rev. (2007)
- ^ a b McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Contreras F. NADPH oxidase mediates glucolipotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction--clinical implications. Med Hypotheses. (2010)
- ^ Olsson R, Stigendal L. Clinical experience with isolated hyperbilirubinemia. Scand J Gastroenterol. (1989)
- ^ Kulkarni RG, et al. Gilbert's syndrome in healthy blood donors what next??. Asian J Transfus Sci. (2016)
- ^ Horsfall LJ, et al. Gilbert's syndrome and the risk of death: a population-based cohort study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. (2013)
- ^ Maruhashi T, et al. Hyperbilirubinemia, augmentation of endothelial function, and decrease in oxidative stress in Gilbert syndrome. Circulation. (2012)
- ^ Kundur AR, Singh I, Bulmer AC. Bilirubin, platelet activation and heart disease: a missing link to cardiovascular protection in Gilbert's syndrome?. Atherosclerosis. (2015)
- ^ Goel A, Aggarwal R. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia: a blessing in disguise?. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. (2013)
- ^ McCarty MF. ''Iatrogenic Gilbert syndrome''--a strategy for reducing vascular and cancer risk by increasing plasma unconjugated bilirubin. Med Hypotheses. (2007)
- ^ DiNicolantonio JJ, McCarty MF, O'Keefe JH. Antioxidant bilirubin works in multiple ways to reduce risk for obesity and its health complications. Open Heart. (2018)
- ^ Altenhöfer S, et al. Evolution of NADPH Oxidase Inhibitors: Selectivity and Mechanisms for Target Engagement. Antioxid Redox Signal. (2015)
- ^ Salazar M, et al. Subchronic toxicity study in mice fed Spirulina maxima. J Ethnopharmacol. (1998)
- ^ Yang Y, et al. In vitro and in vivo safety assessment of edible blue-green algae, Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing and Spirulina plantensis. Food Chem Toxicol. (2011)
- ^ a b c d Jensen GS, et al. Clinical Safety of a High Dose of Phycocyanin-Enriched Aqueous Extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study with a Focus on Anticoagulant Activity and Platelet Activation. J Med Food. (2016)
- ^ Petrus M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy. (2010)
- ^ Dietrich D, Hoeger S. Guidance values for microcystins in water and cyanobacterial supplement products (blue-green algal supplements): a reasonable or misguided approach?. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2005)
- ^ Gilroy DJ, et al. Assessing potential health risks from microcystin toxins in blue-green algae dietary supplements. Environ Health Perspect. (2000)
- ^ Roy-Lachapelle A, et al. Detection of Cyanotoxins in Algae Dietary Supplements. Toxins (Basel). (2017)
- ^ Marsan DW, et al. Evaluation of microcystin contamination in blue-green algal dietary supplements using a protein phosphatase inhibition-based test kit. Heliyon. (2018)
- ^ Heussner AH, et al. Toxin content and cytotoxicity of algal dietary supplements. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. (2012)
- ^ Vichi S, et al. Contamination by Microcystis and microcystins of blue-green algae food supplements (BGAS) on the Italian market and possible risk for the exposed population. Food Chem Toxicol. (2012)
- ^ Al-Dhabi NA. Heavy metal analysis in commercial Spirulina products for human consumption. Saudi J Biol Sci. (2013)
- ^ a b Muys M, et al. High variability in nutritional value and safety of commercially available Chlorella and Spirulina biomass indicates the need for smart production strategies. Bioresour Technol. (2018)
- ^ Doshi H, Ray A, Kothari IL. Biosorption of cadmium by live and dead Spirulina: IR spectroscopic, kinetics, and SEM studies. Curr Microbiol. (2007)
- ^ Solisio C, et al. Cadmium biosorption on Spirulina platensis biomass. Bioresour Technol. (2008)
- ^ Cain A, Vannela R, Woo LK. Cyanobacteria as a biosorbent for mercuric ion. Bioresour Technol. (2008)
- ^ Fang L, et al. Binding characteristics of copper and cadmium by cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis. J Hazard Mater. (2011)
- ^ a b Saha SK, Misbahuddin M, Ahmed AU. Comparison between the effects of alcohol and hexane extract of spirulina in arsenic removal from isolated tissues. Mymensingh Med J. (2010)
- ^ a b Saha SK, et al. Effect of hexane extract of spirulina in the removal of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat. Mymensingh Med J. (2005)
- ^ Banji D, et al. Investigation on the role of Spirulina platensis in ameliorating behavioural changes, thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in offspring of pregnant rats exposed to fluoride. Food Chem. (2013)
- ^ a b Gargouri M, et al. Spirulina or dandelion-enriched diet of mothers alleviates lead-induced damages in brain and cerebellum of newborn rats. Food Chem Toxicol. (2012)
- ^ Paniagua-Castro N, et al. Spirulina (Arthrospira) protects against cadmium-induced teratogenic damage in mice. J Med Food. (2011)
- ^ a b c d El-Desoky GE, et al. Improvement of Mercuric Chloride-Induced Testis Injuries and Sperm Quality Deteriorations by Spirulina platensis in Rats. PLoS One. (2013)
- ^ Sharma MK, et al. Evaluation of protective efficacy of Spirulina fusiformis against mercury induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. Food Chem Toxicol. (2007)
- ^ Madhyastha HK, et al. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine. (2006)
- ^ Saxena PS, Kumar M. Modulatory potential of Spirulina fusiformis on testicular phosphatases in Swiss albino mice against mercury intoxication. Indian J Exp Biol. (2004)
- ^ Sharma MK, et al. Modification of mercury-induced biochemical alterations in blood of Swiss albino mice by Spirulina fusiformis. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. (2005)
- ^ Simsek N, et al. Spirulina platensis feeding inhibited the anemia- and leucopenia-induced lead and cadmium in rats. J Hazard Mater. (2009)
- ^ Karadeniz A, Cemek M, Simsek N. The effects of Panax ginseng and Spirulina platensis on hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium in rats. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. (2009)
- ^ a b Jeyaprakash K, Chinnaswamy P. Effect of spirulina and Liv-52 on cadmium induced toxicity in albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol. (2005)
- ^ a b Jeyaprakash K, Chinnaswamy P. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of spirulina and liv-52 in lead induced toxicity in albino rats. Anc Sci Life. (2004)
- ^ a b Misbahuddin M, et al. Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila). (2006)
- ^ a b c Savranoglub S, Tumer TB. Inhibitory Effects of Spirulina platensis on Carcinogen-Activating Cytochrome P450 Isozymes and Potential for Drug Interactions. Int J Toxicol. (2013)
- ^ a b c Nishanth RP, et al. C-Phycocyanin inhibits MDR1 through reactive oxygen species and cyclooxygenase-2 mediated pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Eur J Pharmacol. (2010)
- ^ Roy KR, et al. C-Phycocyanin ameliorates 2-acetylaminofluorene induced oxidative stress and MDR1 expression in the liver of albino mice. Hepatol Res. (2008)
- ^ Roy KR, et al. C-Phycocyanin inhibits 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced expression of MDR1 in mouse macrophage cells: ROS mediated pathway determined via combination of experimental and In silico analysis. Arch Biochem Biophys. (2007)
- ^ Khan M, et al. C-phycocyanin ameliorates doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult rat cardiomyocytes. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. (2006)
- ^ Terry MJ, Maines MD, Lagarias JC. Inactivation of phytochrome- and phycobiliprotein-chromophore precursors by rat liver biliverdin reductase. J Biol Chem. (1993)
- ^ Riss J, et al. Phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis is powerfully responsible for reducing oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase expression induced by an atherogenic diet in hamsters. J Agric Food Chem. (2007)
- ^ a b c d e Pabon MM, et al. A Spirulina-Enhanced Diet Provides Neuroprotection in an α-Synuclein Model of Parkinson's Disease. PLoS One. (2012)
- ^ Cardona AE, et al. Control of microglial neurotoxicity by the fractalkine receptor. Nat Neurosci. (2006)
- ^ a b CX3CL1 reduces neurotoxicity and microglial activation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.
- ^ Rimbau V, et al. Protective effects of C-phycocyanin against kainic acid-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus. Neurosci Lett. (1999)
- ^ Patel M, et al. Activation of NADPH oxidase and extracellular superoxide production in seizure-induced hippocampal damage. J Neurochem. (2005)
- ^ Lanone S, et al. Bilirubin decreases nos2 expression via inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase: implications for protection against endotoxic shock in rats. FASEB J. (2005)
- ^ Chamorro G, et al. Spirulina maxima pretreatment partially protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity. Nutr Neurosci. (2006)
- ^ Strömberg I, et al. Blueberry- and spirulina-enriched diets enhance striatal dopamine recovery and induce a rapid, transient microglia activation after injury of the rat nigrostriatal dopamine system. Exp Neurol. (2005)
- ^ Wu DC, et al. NADPH oxidase mediates oxidative stress in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (2003)
- ^ Tieu K, Ischiropoulos H, Przedborski S. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in Parkinson's disease. IUBMB Life. (2003)
- ^ Zhang W, et al. Neuroprotective effect of dextromethorphan in the MPTP Parkinson's disease model: role of NADPH oxidase. FASEB J. (2004)
- ^ Choi DH, et al. NADPH oxidase 1-mediated oxidative stress leads to dopamine neuron death in Parkinson's disease. Antioxid Redox Signal. (2012)
- ^ Thaakur SR, Jyothi B. Effect of spirulina maxima on the haloperidol induced tardive dyskinesia and oxidative stress in rats. J Neural Transm. (2007)
- ^ Subramanyam B, et al. Identification of a potentially neurotoxic pyridinium metabolite of haloperidol in rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (1990)
- ^ Eyles DW, McGrath JJ, Pond SM. Formation of pyridinium species of haloperidol in human liver and brain. Psychopharmacology (Berl). (1996)
- ^ Thaakur S, Sravanthi R. Neuroprotective effect of Spirulina in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. J Neural Transm. (2010)
- ^ Wang Y, et al. Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach, or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage. Exp Neurol. (2005)
- ^ Pentón-Rol G, et al. C-Phycocyanin is neuroprotective against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils. Brain Res Bull. (2011)
- ^ a b Bermejo-Bescós P, Piñero-Estrada E, Villar del Fresno AM. Neuroprotection by Spirulina platensis protean extract and phycocyanin against iron-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Toxicol In Vitro. (2008)
- ^ George S, et al. α-Synuclein: The Long Distance Runner. Brain Pathol. (2013)
- ^ Lehéricy S, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. (2012)
- ^ Surmeier DJ, et al. The role of calcium and mitochondrial oxidant stress in the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience. (2011)
- ^ a b Guo JP, Yu S, McGeer PL. Simple in vitro assays to identify amyloid-beta aggregation blockers for Alzheimer's disease therapy. J Alzheimers Dis. (2010)
- ^ a b Hwang JH, et al. Spirulina prevents memory dysfunction, reduces oxidative stress damage and augments antioxidant activity in senescence-accelerated mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). (2011)
- ^ Alpha-synuclein release by neurons activates the inflammatory response in a microglial cell line.
- ^ Zhang QG, et al. Critical role of NADPH oxidase in neuronal oxidative damage and microglia activation following traumatic brain injury. PLoS One. (2012)
- ^ Chen JC, et al. Spirulina and C-phycocyanin reduce cytotoxicity and inflammation-related genes expression of microglial cells. Nutr Neurosci. (2012)
- ^ a b c Patro N, et al. Spirulina platensis protects neurons via suppression of glial activation and peripheral sensitization leading to restoration of motor function in collagen-induced arthritic rats. Indian J Exp Biol. (2011)
- ^ Gemma C, et al. Diets enriched in foods with high antioxidant activity reverse age-induced decreases in cerebellar beta-adrenergic function and increases in proinflammatory cytokines. J Neurosci. (2002)
- ^ a b c d Spirulina Promotes Stem Cell Genesis and Protects against LPS Induced Declines in Neural Stem Cell Proliferation.
- ^ Short Communication: Neuroprotective Effect of Spirulina in a Mouse Model of ALS.
- ^ ALSUntangled Group. ALSUntangled No. 9: Blue-green algae (Spirulina) as a treatment for ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler. (2011)
- ^ a b Kim NH, et al. The effect of hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley on forced swimming test in ICR mice. Int J Neurosci. (2008)
- ^ a b c d Huang H, et al. Quantifying the effects of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. (2018)
- ^ Carrizzo A, et al. Novel Potent Decameric Peptide of Spirulina platensis Reduces Blood Pressure Levels Through a PI3K/AKT/eNOS-Dependent Mechanism. Hypertension. (2019)
- ^ Juárez-Oropeza MA, et al. Effects of dietary Spirulina on vascular reactivity. J Med Food. (2009)
- ^ Brito AF, et al. Aortic Response to Strength Training and Spirulina platensis Dependent on Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants. Front Physiol. (2018)
- ^ Hsiao G, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem. (2005)
- ^ a b Torres-Durán PV, et al. Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report. J Med Food. (2012)
- ^ Nagaoka S, et al. A novel protein C-phycocyanin plays a crucial role in the hypocholesterolemic action of Spirulina platensis concentrate in rats. J Nutr. (2005)
- ^ Serban MC, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations. Clin Nutr. (2016)
- ^ Szulinska M, et al. Spirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. (2017)
- ^ a b Marcel AK, et al. The effect of Spirulina platensis versus soybean on insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients: a randomized pilot study. Nutrients. (2011)
- ^ Vigouroux C, et al. Adverse metabolic disorders during highly active antiretroviral treatments (HAART) of HIV disease. Diabetes Metab. (1999)
- ^ Parikh P, Mani U, Iyer U. Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Med Food. (2001)
- ^ Kaur K, Sachdeva R, Grover K. Effect of supplementation of spirulina on blood glucose and lipid profile of the non-insulin dependent diabetic male subjects. Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. (2008)
- ^ Lee EH, et al. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Nutr Res Pract. (2008)
- ^ a b c d e Fujimoto M, et al. Spirulina improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, visceral fat macrophage aggregation, and serum leptin in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome. Dig Liver Dis. (2012)
- ^ Obesity is associated with macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue.
- ^ a b Furukawa S, et al. Increased oxidative stress in obesity and its impact on metabolic syndrome. J Clin Invest. (2004)
- ^ Iwatsuka H, Shino A, Suzuoki Z. General survey of diabetic features of yellow KK mice. Endocrinol Jpn. (1970)
- ^ Ou Y, et al. Antidiabetic potential of phycocyanin: Effects on KKAy mice. Pharm Biol. (2013)
- ^ a b c d Nielsen CH, et al. Enhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteins. Planta Med. (2010)
- ^ Lipoprotein is a predominant Toll-like receptor 2 ligand in Staphylococcus aureus cell wall components.
- ^ Balachandran P, et al. Toll-like receptor 2-dependent activation of monocytes by Spirulina polysaccharide and its immune enhancing action in mice. Int Immunopharmacol. (2006)
- ^ Ku CS, et al. Edible blue-green algae reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB pathway in macrophages and splenocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta. (2013)
- ^ SCN Signs Major World-Wide Distribution Agreement for Patented Immune Product.
- ^ Grzanna R, et al. Immolina, a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide fraction of Spirulina, enhances chemokine expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells. J Altern Complement Med. (2006)
- ^ a b DuBois RN, et al. Increased cyclooxygenase-2 levels in carcinogen-induced rat colonic tumors. Gastroenterology. (1996)
- ^ a b c d Saini MK, Sanyal SN. PTEN regulates apoptotic cell death through PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway in DMH induced early colon carcinogenesis in rat. Exp Mol Pathol. (2012)
- ^ Reddy MC, et al. C-Phycocyanin, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, induces apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (2003)
- ^ a b c d Reddy CM, et al. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by C-phycocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (2000)
- ^ Shih CM, et al. Antiinflammatory and antihyperalgesic activity of C-phycocyanin. Anesth Analg. (2009)
- ^ Nemoto-Kawamura C, et al. Phycocyanin enhances secretary IgA antibody response and suppresses allergic IgE antibody response in mice immunized with antigen-entrapped biodegradable microparticles. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). (2004)
- ^ a b Hirahashi T, et al. Activation of the human innate immune system by Spirulina: augmentation of interferon production and NK cytotoxicity by oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina platensis. Int Immunopharmacol. (2002)
- ^ a b c d e Akao Y, et al. Enhancement of antitumor natural killer cell activation by orally administered Spirulina extract in mice. Cancer Sci. (2009)
- ^ Akazawa T, et al. Antitumor NK activation induced by the Toll-like receptor 3-TICAM-1 (TRIF) pathway in myeloid dendritic cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (2007)
- ^ a b c Pak W, et al. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of spirulina on rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Clin Biochem Nutr. (2012)
- ^ a b Joventino IP, et al. The microalga Spirulina platensis presents anti-inflammatory action as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in diabetic rats. J Complement Integr Med. (2012)
- ^ a b Kumar N, et al. Evaluation of protective efficacy of Spirulina platensis against collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Inflammopharmacology. (2009)
- ^ a b Rasool M, Sabina EP, Lavanya B. Anti-inflammatory effect of Spirulina fusiformis on adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice. Biol Pharm Bull. (2006)
- ^ a b Remirez D, et al. Inhibitory effects of Spirulina in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice. Mediators Inflamm. (2002)
- ^ a b Cingi C, et al. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. (2008)
- ^ Mao TK, Van de Water J, Gershwin ME. Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients. J Med Food. (2005)
- ^ a b Park HJ, et al. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans. Ann Nutr Metab. (2008)
- ^ a b Chu WL, et al. Protective effect of aqueous extract from Spirulina platensis against cell death induced by free radicals. BMC Complement Altern Med. (2010)
- ^ a b Shyam R, et al. Wheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: a comparative study with spirulina. J Altern Complement Med. (2007)
- ^ a b Chamorro-Cevallos G, et al. Chemoprotective effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira) against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenicity in mice. Food Chem Toxicol. (2008)
- ^ a b c Hassan AM, Abdel-Aziem SH, Abdel-Wahhab MA. Modulation of DNA damage and alteration of gene expression during aflatoxicosis via dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira) and Whey protein concentrate. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. (2012)
- ^ Deryagina VP, Ryzhova NI, Golubkina NA. Production of nitrogen oxide derivatives under the influence of NO-synthase inhibitors and natural compounds in mice with transplanted tumors. Exp Oncol. (2012)
- ^ Mathew B, et al. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis. Nutr Cancer. (1995)
- ^ Mishima T, et al. Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a novel sulfated polysaccharide derived from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis. Clin Exp Metastasis. (1998)
- ^ McCarty MF. Minimizing the cancer-promotional activity of cox-2 as a central strategy in cancer prevention. Med Hypotheses. (2012)
- ^ a b Saini MK, Sanyal SN, Vaiphei K. Piroxicam and C-phycocyanin mediated apoptosis in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride induced colon carcinogenesis: exploring the mitochondrial pathway. Nutr Cancer. (2012)
- ^ a b c Saini MK, Vaiphei K, Sanyal SN. Chemoprevention of DMH-induced rat colon carcinoma initiation by combination administration of piroxicam and C-phycocyanin. Mol Cell Biochem. (2012)
- ^ a b Voltarelli FA, de Mello MA. Spirulina enhanced the skeletal muscle protein in growing rats. Eur J Nutr. (2008)
- ^ Efficacy of Spirulina Supplementation on Isometric Strength and Isometric Endurance of Quadriceps in Trained and Untrained Individuals – a comparative study.
- ^ a b c Lu HK, et al. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. Eur J Appl Physiol. (2006)
- ^ Kalafati M, et al. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc. (2010)
- ^ Baicus C, Baicus A. Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. (2007)
- ^ Ishimi Y, et al. Effects of spirulina, a blue-green alga, on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats and hindlimb-unloaded mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. (2006)
- ^ a b Bhattacharyya S, Mehta P. The hepatoprotective potential of Spirulina and vitamin C supplemention in cisplatin toxicity. Food Funct. (2012)
- ^ Lu J, et al. Protection by dietary Spirulina platensis against D-galactosamine--and acetaminophen-induced liver injuries. Br J Nutr. (2010)
- ^ a b Jarouliya U, et al. Alleviation of metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats by Spirulina maxima. Indian J Med Res. (2012)
- ^ Effect of Supplementation of Spirulina on Hypercholesterolemic Patients.
- ^ McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Contreras F. Genistein and phycocyanobilin may prevent hepatic fibrosis by suppressing proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Med Hypotheses. (2009)
- ^ Liu XJ, et al. Effects of the tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor genistein on the proliferation, activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. World J Gastroenterol. (2002)
- ^ Itagaki T, et al. Opposing effects of oestradiol and progesterone on intracellular pathways and activation processes in the oxidative stress induced activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. Gut. (2005)
- ^ Bataller R, et al. NADPH oxidase signal transduces angiotensin II in hepatic stellate cells and is critical in hepatic fibrosis. J Clin Invest. (2003)
- ^ Adachi T, et al. NAD(P)H oxidase plays a crucial role in PDGF-induced proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. Hepatology. (2005)
- ^ Nakanishi Y, et al. Monosodium glutamate (MSG): a villain and promoter of liver inflammation and dysplasia. J Autoimmun. (2008)
- ^ Moura LP, et al. Exercise and spirulina control non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and lipid profile in diabetic Wistar rats. Lipids Health Dis. (2011)
- ^ Blé-Castillo JL, et al. Arthrospira maxima prevents the acute fatty liver induced by the administration of simvastatin, ethanol and a hypercholesterolemic diet to mice. Life Sci. (2002)
- ^ a b Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Torres-Duran PV, Juarez-Oropeza MA. Hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case series. J Med Case Rep. (2010)
- ^ Hernández-Corona A, et al. Antiviral activity of Spirulina maxima against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Res. (2002)
- ^ a b Yakoot M, Salem A. Spirulina platensis versus silymarin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. A pilot randomized, comparative clinical trial. BMC Gastroenterol. (2012)
- ^ Băicuş C, Tănăsescu C. Chronic viral hepatitis, the treatment with spiruline for one month has no effect on the aminotransferases. Rom J Intern Med. (2002)
- ^ Teas J, Irhimeh MR. Dietary algae and HIV/AIDS: proof of concept clinical data. J Appl Phycol. (2012)
- ^ a b Selmi C, et al. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens. Cell Mol Immunol. (2011)
- ^ a b Gupta M, Dwivedi UN, Khandelwal S. C-Phycocyanin: an effective protective agent against thymic atrophy by tributyltin. Toxicol Lett. (2011)
- ^ Rodríguez-Sánchez R, et al. Phycobiliproteins or C-phycocyanin of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima protect against HgCl(2)-caused oxidative stress and renal damage. Food Chem. (2012)
- ^ Mohan IK, et al. Protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by Spirulina in rats. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. (2006)
- ^ Lim BJ, et al. C-phycocyanin attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Ren Fail. (2012)
- ^ Sinanoglu O, et al. The Protective Effects of Spirulina in Cyclophosphamide Induced Nephrotoxicity and Urotoxicity in Rats. Urology. (2012)
- ^ Viswanadha VP, Sivan S, Rajendra Shenoi R. Protective effect of Spirulina against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced toxicity. Mol Biol Rep. (2011)
- ^ Avdagić N, et al. Spirulina platensis protects against renal injury in rats with gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis. Bosn J Basic Med Sci. (2008)
- ^ Kim DH, et al. Molecular Study of Dietary Heptadecane for the Anti-Inflammatory Modulation of NF-kB in the Aged Kidney. PLoS One. (2013)
- ^ Sun YX, et al. Experimental study on the therapeutic effect of C-phycocyanin against pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat in rats. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. (2012)
- ^ a b c Bickford PC, et al. Nutraceuticals synergistically promote proliferation of human stem cells. Stem Cells Dev. (2006)
- ^ Acosta S, et al. NT-020, a natural therapeutic approach to optimize spatial memory performance and increase neural progenitor cell proliferation and decrease inflammation in the aged rat. Rejuvenation Res. (2010)
- ^ Yasuhara T, et al. Dietary supplementation exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke model. Rejuvenation Res. (2008)
- ^ Shytle RD, et al. Oxidative stress of neural, hematopoietic, and stem cells: protection by natural compounds. Rejuvenation Res. (2007)
- Torres-Duran PV, Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Juarez-Oropeza MA. Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary report. Lipids Health Dis. (2007)
- Mazokopakis EE, et al. The hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective study. J Sci Food Agric. (2013)
- Ashraf R, et al. Effects of Allium sativum (Garlic) on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. Pak J Pharm Sci. (2013)
- Ried K, Toben C, Fakler P. Effect of garlic on serum lipids: an updated meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. (2013)
- Hou LQ, Liu YH, Zhang YY. Garlic intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. (2015)
- Bowtell JL, et al. Enhanced task-related brain activation and resting perfusion in healthy older adults after chronic blueberry supplementation. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. (2017)
- Krikorian R, et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem. (2010)
- Rendeiro C, et al. Blueberry supplementation induces spatial memory improvements and region-specific regulation of hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression in young rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). (2012)
- Whyte AR, Schafer G, Williams CM. Cognitive effects following acute wild blueberry supplementation in 7- to 10-year-old children. Eur J Nutr. (2016)
- Potential health benefits of spirulina microalgae.
- Characterization of Spirulina Biomass for CELSS Diet Potential.
- Vitamin A.
- Wu Q, et al. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview. Arch Toxicol. (2016)
- Kerley CP. Dietary nitrate as modulator of physical performance and cardiovascular health. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. (2017)
- Siervo M, et al. Inorganic nitrate and beetroot juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr. (2013)