Spirulina
  
Spirulina
Background
The term spirulina refers to a large number of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Both Spirulina spp . and non- Spirulina spp. fall into the classification of cyanobacteria, and include: Aphanizomenon spp., Microcystis spp., Nostoc spp., and Spirulina spp. Most commercial products contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Sprirulina maxima, and/or Spirulina platensis. These algae are found in the warm, alkaline waters of the world, especially of Mexico and Central Africa. Spirulina spp. are most often grown under controlled conditions and are subject to less contamination than the non-spirulina species that are harvested naturally.
Spirulina is a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. In fact, spirulina contains more beta-carotene than carrots. Spirulina has been used since ancient times as a source of nutrients and has been said to possess a variety of medical uses, including as an antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, weight loss aid, and lipid-lowering agent. Preliminary data from animal studies demonstrate effectiveness for some conditions as well as safety, although human evidence is lacking. Based on available research, no recommendation can be made either for or against the use of spirulina for any indication.
Synonyms
AFA, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae , Arthrospira platensis , BGA, blue-green algae, cyanobacteria, dihe , klamath, Microcystis aeruginosa , M. wesenbergii , Multinal, Nostoc spp ., plant plankton, pond scum, Spirulina fusiformis , S. maxima , S. platensis , tecuitatl
Note : Non-spirulina species, such as Anabaena species , Aphanizomenon species , and Microcystis species are possibly unsafe because they are usually harvested naturally and may be subject to contamination.
Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Uses based on scientific evidenceGrade*High Cholesterol
Spirulina refers to a large number of "cyanobacteria," or blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are found in the warm, alkaline waters of the world, especially of Mexico and Central Africa. Spirulina species are most often grown under controlled conditions and are subject to less contamination than non-spirulina species that may be harvested in nature. In animal studies, spirulina has been found to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Preliminary poor-quality studies in humans suggest a similar effect. Better research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
C
Diabetes
Preliminary study of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus reports that spirulina may reduce fasting blood sugar levels after two months of treatment. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
C
Weight loss
Spirulina is a popular therapy for weight loss, and is sometimes marketed as a "vitamin enriched" appetite suppressant. However, little scientific information is available on the effect of spirulina on weight loss in humans.
C
Oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions)
Preliminary research has not clearly shown benefits of spirulina in the treatment of oral leukoplakia.
C
Malnutrition
Spirulina has been studied as a food supplement in infant malnutrition. In a clinical, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, 182 malnourished children under the age of 2 years were given spirulina as a food supplement. The authors observed no added benefit of spirulina over traditional nutrition. Spirulina supplementation is often more costly, and is currently not recommended for this condition.
D
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Allergies, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) prevention, anemia, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anxiety, atherosclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bowel health, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, colitis, cytomegalovirus infection, depression, digestion, energy booster, fatigue, fatty liver, fibromyalgia, hair loss, heart disease, herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), high blood pressure, HIV, immune system enhancement, influenza, iron deficiency, kidney disease, liver protection, measles, memory improvement, mood stimulant, mumps, obstetric and gynecological disorders, premenstrual syndrome, radiation sickness, skin disorders, stomach acid excess, ulcers, vitamin and nutrient deficiency, warts, wound healing, yeast infection.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Standardization
Standardization involves measuring the amount of certain chemicals in products to try to make different preparations similar to each other. It is not always known if the chemicals being measured are the "active" ingredients. There is no widely accepted standardization for spirulina products.
Adults (18 years and older)
High cholesterol : 1.4 grams of spirulina by mouth, three times daily with meals, for eight weeks has been studied.
Diabetes mellitus (type 2) : 1 gram of spirulina by mouth twice daily with meals has been studied.
Weight loss : 200 milligrams of spirulina tablets by mouth three times daily, taken just before eating, has been studied.
Oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions) : 1 gram of Spirulina fusiformis by mouth daily has been used for up to a year in one study.
Children (under 18 years old)
Not enough scientific information is available to advise the safe use of spirulina in children.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
Avoid use in individuals with known allergy to spirulina, blue-green algae species, or any of their constituents.
Side Effects and Warnings
Few side effects have been reported with spirulina use in people. The most frequently reported adverse effects are headache, muscle pain, flushing of the face, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. These have been described in people taking 1 gram of spirulina by mouth daily.
Blue-green algae, especially types that are usually harvested in uncontrolled settings ( Anabaena spp. , Aphanizomenon spp. , and Microcystis spp .), may be contaminated with heavy metals. Hepatotoxicity has been reported.
The amino acid phenylalanine in blue-green algae may cause an adverse reaction in people with the genetic condition phenylketonuria (PKU), and should be used cautiously.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough information to recommend the safe use of spirulina during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In mice, diets containing up to 30% spirulina are not reported to cause harmful effects to either the mother or the offspring. However, reliable human studies addressing safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding are not available.
References
1. Branger B, Cadudal JL, Delobel M, Ouoba H, Yameogo P, Ouedraogo D. Spiruline as a food supplement in case of infant malnutrition in Burkina-Faso [Article in French]. Arch Pediatr 2003;10(5):424-431.
2. Chamorro G, Salazar M, Araujo KG, dos Santos CP, Ceballos G, Castillo LF. Update on the pharmacology of Spirulina (Arthrospira), an unconventional food [Article in Spanish]. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2002;52(3):232-240.
3. Hernandez-Corona A, Nieves I, Meckes M, et al. Antiviral activity of Spirulina maxima against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Res 2002;56(3):279-85.
4. Hirahashi T, Matsumoto M, Hazeki K, 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;2(4):423-434.
5. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97 (12) :3212-3213.
6. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DI. Consumption of has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. J Amer Nutraceut Assoc 2000;2(3):50-58.
7. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DI, Drapeau C. Blue-green algae as an immuno-enhancer and biomodulator. J Amer Nutraceut Assoc 2001;3(4):24-30.
8. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32.
9. Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, et al. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with . Nutr Cancer 1995;24(2):197-202.
10. Mishima T, Murata J, Toyoshima M, et al. Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a novel sulfated polysaccharide derived from a blue-green alga, . Clin Exp Metastasis 1998;16:541-550.
11. Romay C, Armesto J, Remirez D, et al. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanin from blue- green algae. Inflamm Res 1998;47(1):36-41.
12. Samuels R, Mani UV, Iyer UM, et al. Hypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome. J Med Food 2002;5(2):91-96.
13. Shih SR, Tsai KN, Li YS, et al. Inhibition of enterovirus 71-induced apoptosis by allophycocyanin isolated from a blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. J Med Virol 2003;70(1):119-125.
14. Watanabe F, Takenaka S, Kittaka-Katsura H, et al. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2002;48(5):325-331.
15. Yang HN, Lee EH, Kim HM. inhibits anaphylactic reaction. Life Sci 1997;61(13):1237-1244.
February 01, 2004 
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