Blue-green algae

Related Terms

AFA, Anabaena spp., Anacystis nidulans, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Aphanizomenon spp., Arthrospira maxima, Arthrospira platensis, Artrospira platensis, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, BGA, blue-green algae, C-phycocyanin, calcium, calcium spirulan, carotenoids, chlorophyll, copper, cyanobacteria, cyanobacterium, dihe, Dunaliella salina, free fatty acids, iron, ImmulinaT, klamath, Klamath algae, Klamin?, lead (Pb), Lyngbya majuscule, magnesium, manganese, microcystin-LR, microcystin-RR, microcystins, Microcystis aeruginosa, Microcystis spp., Microcystis wesenbergii, minerals, monogalactosyl monoacylglycerols, Multinal, nickel, Nostoc spp., phenylalanine, phosphatidylglycerols, photolase, phycocyanin, phytoplankton, plant plankton, polar lipids, polysaccharides, pond scum, potassium, prokaryotic cyanobacterium, protein, Selen-Spirulina, sodium, Spirulina-Dunaliella, Spirulina fusiformis, Spirulina fussiformis, Spirulina maxima, Spirulina platensis, Spirulina-Selenium-Sochi, Spiruline, Synechocystis, tecuitatl, sulfated polysaccharides, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols, vitamin E, zeaxanthin, zinc.
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 contaminated. This bottom line includes information about multiple species of blue-green algae, though the focus is spirulina.

Background

The term spirulina refers to a large number of blue-green algae. Both Spirulina and non-Spirulina species are classified as blue-green algae 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 waters of the world, especially in Mexico and central Africa.
Spirulina is different from other blue-green algae because it has a spiral structure. Spirulina spp. are most often grown under controlled conditions and are less likely to be contaminated, compared to naturally harvested non-spirulina species.
Blue-green algae have been used as a source of protein, but may have harmful effects. Spirulina is rich in nutrients and contains up to 70 percent protein, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. Spirulina has been found to contain more beta-carotene than carrots.
Spirulina has been used since ancient times. It is believed to be useful as an antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, weight loss aid, and cholesterol-lowering agent.
Blue-green algae and spirulina are sold in health food stores and over the Internet as food supplements in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Possible health benefits include improved digestion, better immune function, and relief from the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), allergies, and fatigue. Some of these products may contain harmful compounds and should be used with caution. Blue-green algae also contain compounds called C-phycocyanins, which are used in food and cosmetics, and are known for their antioxidant and therapeutic potential.
The blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is produced in the same location in southern Oregon as the blue-green algae, Microcystis aeruginosais, which may cause cancer or liver damage, and there is a risk of contamination.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


Early human studies found that spirulina may be effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Spirulina may decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, while increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. More research is needed to further confirm these findings.

 B


Early human studies found that spirulina may be effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Spirulina may decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, while increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. More research is needed to further confirm these findings.

 B


Spirulina may have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve nasal allergy symptoms. Spirulina has also been studied for possible effects on the immune system. More high-quality research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Spirulina may have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve nasal allergy symptoms. Spirulina has also been studied for possible effects on the immune system. More high-quality research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Spirulina has been studied in runners for possible antioxidant effects. However, further study is needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Spirulina has been studied in runners for possible antioxidant effects. However, further study is needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Spirulina extract plus zinc may be useful for the treatment of arsenic poisoning. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Spirulina extract plus zinc may be useful for the treatment of arsenic poisoning. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Spirulina treatment may improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A combination product that includes spirulina has been found to benefit some ADHD symptoms. More study is needed before conclusions can be made on spirulina use for this condition.

 C


Spirulina treatment may improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A combination product that includes spirulina has been found to benefit some ADHD symptoms. More study is needed before conclusions can be made on spirulina use for this condition.

 C


Spirulina is thought to benefit the liver through ant-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, early research has found conflicting results on the use of spirulina for chronic viral hepatitis (liver inflammation). More high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Spirulina is thought to benefit the liver through ant-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, early research has found conflicting results on the use of spirulina for chronic viral hepatitis (liver inflammation). More high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Early study suggests that spirulina treatment may delay fatigue after a two-hour run. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these results.

 C


Early study suggests that spirulina treatment may delay fatigue after a two-hour run. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these results.

 C


Super blue-green algae has been studied for twitches of the eyelids and face. However, early research has found mixed results. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


Super blue-green algae has been studied for twitches of the eyelids and face. However, early research has found mixed results. Further study is needed in this area.

 C


Spirulina supplements have been studied in people with HIV. Early research also suggests that spirulina may decrease the risk of pneumonia infections and increase insulin sensitivity. However, more information is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Spirulina supplements have been studied in people with HIV. Early research also suggests that spirulina may decrease the risk of pneumonia infections and increase insulin sensitivity. However, more information is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Selenium enriched with spirulina has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and long-term colon inflammation. Although treatment showed an improvement in symptoms, higher-quality research is needed on the potential effects of spirulina alone.

 C


Selenium enriched with spirulina has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and long-term colon inflammation. Although treatment showed an improvement in symptoms, higher-quality research is needed on the potential effects of spirulina alone.

 C


Spirulina has been studied as a food supplement in infant malnutrition. However, results have been mixed. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Spirulina has been studied as a food supplement in infant malnutrition. However, results have been mixed. More research is needed in this area.

 C


Klamath algae may improve some symptoms of menopause, including anxiety and depression. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Klamath algae may improve some symptoms of menopause, including anxiety and depression. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Spirulina has been studied as a possible treatment for oral leukoplakia (plaques in the mouth that may indicate cancer) in people who use alcohol and tobacco. However, more human research is needed before firm conclusions can be made in this area.

 C


Spirulina has been studied as a possible treatment for oral leukoplakia (plaques in the mouth that may indicate cancer) in people who use alcohol and tobacco. However, more human research is needed before firm conclusions can be made in this area.

 C


Early study in people with type 2 diabetes has found that two months of taking spirulina by mouth may benefit blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Spirulina may also increase sensitivity to insulin. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be made on the use of spirulina for blood sugar control in diabetics.

 C


Early study in people with type 2 diabetes has found that two months of taking spirulina by mouth may benefit blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Spirulina may also increase sensitivity to insulin. However, more research is needed before conclusions can be made on the use of spirulina for blood sugar control in diabetics.

 C


Spirulina is a popular therapy for weight loss and is sometimes marketed as a "vitamin-enriched" agent that reduces appetite. However, strong evidence is lacking. More research is needed on the use of spirulina for human weight loss.

 C


Spirulina is a popular therapy for weight loss and is sometimes marketed as a "vitamin-enriched" agent that reduces appetite. However, strong evidence is lacking. More research is needed on the use of spirulina for human weight loss.

 C


There is currently a lack of strong evidence to support the use of spirulina for chronic fatigue syndrome. Limited research suggests that spirulina may lack benefit over placebo for the treatment of chronic fatigue. More high-quality research is needed in this field.

 D


There is currently a lack of strong evidence to support the use of spirulina for chronic fatigue syndrome. Limited research suggests that spirulina may lack benefit over placebo for the treatment of chronic fatigue. More high-quality research is needed in this field.

 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* 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 for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Spirulina is listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list as an ingredient in all foods except infant formulas and foods under USDA's jurisdiction at levels up to a maximum of 250 milligrams per serving.
For allergic nasal symptoms, doses of 1,000-2,000 milligrams of spirulina have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks to six months.
For antioxidant benefits, 6 grams of spirulina has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
For arsenic poisoning, 250 milligrams of spirulina extract has been taken by mouth with 2 milligrams of zinc twice daily for 16 weeks.
For chronic viral hepatitis (liver inflammation), 500 milligrams of dry powder extract of spirulina has been taken by mouth three times daily for six months.
For type 2 diabetes, 1-19 grams of spirulina has been taken by mouth 1-2 times daily with meals for two months.
For exercise performance, 6 grams of spirulina has been taken by mouth for four weeks.
For eye disorders (eyelid twitch), super blue green algae has been taken by mouth for six months.
For HIV, 19 grams of spirulina has been taken daily with food for two months.
For high cholesterol, 1.4 grams of spirulina has been taken by mouth three times daily with meals for eight weeks. Doses of 2-4.5 grams of spirulina have been taken by mouth daily for six weeks to two months in the form of Multinal? and Spirulina maxima. Freeze-dried spirulina (40 pills, each containing 0.2 grams) has been taken by mouth daily for 16 weeks.
For immune function, 200 milligrams of spirulina in the form of Immulina? capsules have been taken 1-2 times daily for seven days.
For oral leukoplakia (mouth plaques that may indicate cancer), 1 gram of Spirulina fusiformis has been taken by mouth daily for up to one year.
For malnutrition, 5 grams of spirulina has been taken by mouth daily for three months. Doses of 20-100 grams of spirulina have been taken by mouth daily for 4-6 days.
For menopause, two 1,600 gram Klamath algae tablets (Klamin?) have been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks.

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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Spirulina may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Spirulina may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Spirulina may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors.
Spirulina may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood, and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Spirulina may increase the amount of drowsiness or sedation caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, alcohol, and agents that promote sleep. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Spirulina may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the kidneys, agents that promote weight loss or reduce appetite, agents that treat eye disorders, agents that treat heart disorders, agents that treat liver disorders, agents that treat nervous system disorders, agents that treat osteoporosis, agents that treat stomach and intestine disorders, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, athletic performance enhancers, cholesterol-lowering agents, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, doxorubicin, gentamycin, and sunscreen agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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