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 , 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, calcium, copper, cyanobacteria, cyanobacterium,  dihe , free fatty acids, iron, Immulina™, klamath, magnesium, manganese,  Microcystis aeruginosa ,  M .  wesenbergii , monogalactosyl monoacylglycerols, Multinal, nickel,  Nostoc  spp., lead, phosphatidylglycerols, phycocyanin, phytoplankton, plant plankton, pond scum, prokaryotic cyanobacterium, Selen-Spirulina,  Spirulina fusiformis ,  S .  maxima ,  S .  platensis , Spiruline, tecuitatl, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols, 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 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.

*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;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.

Grading rationale

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.

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) prevention, anemia, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anxiety, arthritis, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autoimmune disorders, bowel health, brain damage, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, cirrhosis, colitis, cytomegalovirus infection, depression, digestion, doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, energy booster, fatigue, fatty liver, fibromyalgia, H. pylori infection, hair loss, heart disease, herpes simplex-1 virus (HSV-1), high blood pressure, HIV, immune system enhancement, infectious disease, influenza, iron deficiency, ischemic injury (ischemic reperfusion injury), kidney disease, lead-induced organ damage, leukemia, liver protection, measles, memory improvement, mood stimulant, mumps, nerve damage, obstetric and gynecological disorders, Parkinson''s disease, pneumonia, premenstrual syndrome, radiation sickness, radiation-induced damage, skin disorders, stomach acid excess, stress, 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.

Adults (18 years and older) Spirulina has typically been taken by mouth two to three times daily with meals in doses of 1-1.4 grams for diabetes mellitus (type 2), high cholesterol, or oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions). For weight loss, 200 milligrams of spirulina tablets by mouth three times daily, taken just before eating, has been studied. Two grams of spirulina has been used for nasal allergies. For arsenic poisoning, twice daily doses of 250 milligrams of spirulina extract plus 2 milligrams of zinc may be helpful. 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. 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. Skin reactions have also been reported. 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. Liver damage, diarrhea, and vomiting have 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.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

Interactions with Drugs Spirulina may interact with certain drugs taken for immune system disorders, high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors), inflammation, diabetes, high cholesterol, neurologic conditions, and viruses as well as blood thinners and antihistamines. Spirulina may also interact with drugs taken for weight loss, cancer, heart disorders, and osteoporosis. There is a possible interaction when taking spirulina with drugs that are potentially toxic to the kidney. Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements Small increases in calcium levels have been reported, although it is unclear whether this is due to the effects of spirulina alone. Use of spirulina and calcium supplements together may further increase calcium levels. Spirulina may increase levels of protein, iron, gamma-linolenic fatty acid, carotenoids, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Spirulina may interact with certain dietary supplements taken for immune system disorders, high blood pressure, cancer, weight loss, heart disorders, inflammation, diabetes, high cholesterol, neurologic conditions, blood clots, and viruses. Use cautiously with antihistamines or any herb or supplement that is potentially toxic to the kidney.

Methodology

This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Ethan Basch, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center); Steve Bent, MD (University of California San Francisco); her Boon, B.Sc.Phm, PhD (University of Toronto); Dawn Costa, BA, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Dana A. Hackman, BS (Northeastern University); Sadaf Hashmi, MD, MPH (Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health); Paul Hammerness, MD (Harvard Medical School); Jenna Hollenstein, MS, RD (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Beth N. Kerbel, PharmD (Northeastern University); Erica Seamon, PharmD (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Michael Smith, MRPharmS, ND (Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine); David Sollars MAc, HMC (New England School of Acupuncture); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Jen Woods, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Robert Zori, MD (University of Florida), Katie Nummy, BS (Northeastern University).