Information on Spirulina

1. Conditions Spirulina Has Been Studied For

Spirulina has been studied for various health conditions, including:

• Malnutrition
• Metabolic issues like diabetes
• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Chronic fatigue
• Allergic rhinitis
• Immune system enhancement
• Oral cancer
• Inflammation
• Anemia

2. Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of spirulina in treating these conditions varies. Some studies suggest benefits such as:

• Improving lipid and glucose metabolism, which may help with diabetes.
• Lowering cholesterol levels.
• Reduction of nasal congestion and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
• Potentially enhancing the immune system.

However, more research is needed to conclusively determine its efficacy for these and other conditions.

3. Health Benefits of Spirulina

Spirulina is known for its high nutrient content and potential health benefits, which may include:

• Being a rich source of proteins, vitamins (especially B12), minerals, and essential fatty acids.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supporting gut health.
• Possibly aiding in weight management.
• Detoxification of heavy metals, especially arsenic.

4. Potential Downsides of Spirulina

While spirulina is generally considered safe, some potential downsides include:

• Contamination with harmful bacteria, toxins, or heavy metals if grown in unsafe conditions.
• It can cause side effects in some individuals, such as headaches, allergic reactions, muscle pain, and sweating.
• Those with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid spirulina due to its phenylalanine content.
• Individuals with autoimmune diseases should be cautious as spirulina can stimulate the immune system.

5. Spirulina's Relationship with Genetic Variations

Currently, there is limited research on the interaction between spirulina and specific genetic variations. However:

• People with genetic conditions affecting metabolism, like PKU, should avoid spirulina.
• Those with a predisposition to autoimmune diseases may need to be cautious due to spirulina's potential immune-stimulating effects.
• More research is needed to fully understand the implications of spirulina intake on different genetic backgrounds.

Spirulina Research Summary

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has been studied for its protective effects across various health contexts. One study demonstrated that C-phycocyanin (PC), a compound found in Spirulina, could significantly reduce kidney damage caused by chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin. PC pre-treatment in mice led to lower blood urea nitrogen levels, reduced serum creatinine, less renal tissue damage, and decreased apoptosis.

Another study examined the immunostimulatory effects of Immolina, a polysaccharide fraction derived from Spirulina. It was found to increase the expression of chemokines and cytokines in human monocytic cells, suggesting its potential to recruit leukocytes for inflammation and infection response.

Spirulina platensis was also observed to protect against liver damage from chemotherapy drugs. Mice model studies showed that supplementation with Spirulina and vitamin C reduced liver enzyme levels, suggesting a protective effect.

Additionally, research has highlighted the cardiovascular benefits of Spirulina platensis. It was found to enhance blood vessel relaxation in mice by promoting nitric oxide production, hinting at its potential as a non-pharmaceutical option for managing vascular conditions.

Spirulina's antioxidant properties were leveraged in a study to mitigate the harmful effects of aflatoxin exposure in rats. Supplementation with Spirulina reduced oxidative stress and DNA damage, indicating its protective benefits.

Studies have also investigated Spirulina's neuroprotective effects. For instance, Spirulina fusiformis was shown to counteract mercury-induced biochemical changes in Swiss albino mice, suggesting its effectiveness in modulating adverse biochemical blood changes due to mercury.

Furthermore, Spirulina has been researched for its role in muscle protein synthesis. A diet containing Spirulina as the sole protein source for weaning rats supported normal body growth and enhanced muscle protein synthesis.

Spirulina's chemopreventive potential was also explored in a study involving oral leukoplakia in pan tobacco chewers. SF supplementation led to complete regression in a significant percentage of subjects, although recurrence of lesions was observed after discontinuing the supplement.

In terms of heavy metal contamination, Spirulina platensis was found to absorb mercuric ions effectively, which is promising for its application in bioremediation.

Lastly, Spirulina's impact on the human immune system was demonstrated by increased production of immune functions such as interferon-gamma and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in volunteers who consumed a hot water extract of Spirulina.

References:

1. Identification of a potentially neurotoxic pyridinium metabolite of haloperidol in rats
2. NADPH oxidase 1-mediated oxidative stress leads to dopamine neuron death in Parkinson's disease
3. C-phycocyanin attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice
4. Immolina, a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide fraction of Spirulina, enhances chemokine expression in human monocytic THP-1 cells
5. The hepatoprotective potential of Spirulina and vitamin C supplemention in cisplatin toxicity
6. Novel Potent Decameric Peptide of Spirulina platensis Reduces Blood Pressure Levels Through a PI3K/AKT/eNOS-Dependent Mechanism
7. Modulation of DNA damage and alteration of gene expression during aflatoxicosis via dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira) and Whey protein concentrate
8. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in Parkinson's disease
9. Modification of mercury-induced biochemical alterations in blood of Swiss albino mice by Spirulina fusiformis
10. Spirulina enhanced the skeletal muscle protein in growing rats
11. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis
12. Cyanobacteria as a biosorbent for mercuric ion
13. Detection of Cyanotoxins in Algae Dietary Supplements
14. 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
15. Isolation of three high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations with potent immunostimulatory activity from Spirulina platensis, aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa
16. Improvement of mercuric chloride-induced testis injuries and sperm quality deteriorations by Spirulina platensis in rats
17. Comparison between the effects of alcohol and hexane extract of spirulina in arsenic removal from isolated tissues
18. Spirulina (Arthrospira) protects against cadmium-induced teratogenic damage in mice
19. Simple in vitro assays to identify amyloid-beta aggregation blockers for Alzheimer's disease therapy
20. Formation of pyridinium species of haloperidol in human liver and brain
21. Bilirubin, a Cardiometabolic Signaling Molecule
22. Separation and purification of phycocyanin from Spirulina sp. using a membrane process
23. Protection by dietary Spirulina platensis against D-galactosamine--and acetaminophen-induced liver injuries
24. Neuroprotective effect of dextromethorphan in the MPTP Parkinson's disease model: role of NADPH oxidase
25. Activation of NADPH oxidase and extracellular superoxide production in seizure-induced hippocampal damage
26. Effect of hexane extract of spirulina in the removal of arsenic from isolated liver tissues of rat
27. Gilbert's syndrome and the risk of death: a population-based cohort study
28. Two Classes of Pigments, Carotenoids and C-Phycocyanin, in Spirulina Powder and Their Antioxidant Activities
29. C-Phycocyanin: an effective protective agent against thymic atrophy by tributyltin
30. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis
31. Antiviral activity of Spirulina maxima against herpes simplex virus type 2
32. Protective effect of aqueous extract from Spirulina platensis against cell death induced by free radicals
33. Increased oxidative stress in obesity and its impact on metabolic syndrome
34. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of spirulina on rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
35. A novel protein C-phycocyanin plays a crucial role in the hypocholesterolemic action of Spirulina platensis concentrate in rats
36. Protective effects of C-phycocyanin against kainic acid-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus
37. C-Phycocyanin is neuroprotective against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in gerbils
38. Dietary algae and HIV/AIDS: proof of concept clinical data
39. Oxidative stress of neural, hematopoietic, and stem cells: protection by natural compounds
40. PTEN regulates apoptotic cell death through PI3-K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway in DMH induced early colon carcinogenesis in rat
41. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia: a blessing in disguise?
42. Heavy metal analysis in commercial Spirulina products for human consumption
43. Chronic viral hepatitis, the treatment with spiruline for one month has no effect on the aminotransferases
44. [Experimental study on the therapeutic effect of C-phycocyanin against pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat in rats]
45. 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
46. Clinical experience with isolated hyperbilirubinemia
47. Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a novel sulfated polysaccharide derived from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis
48. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans
49. The effect of hydrolyzed Spirulina by malted barley on forced swimming test in ICR mice
50. Genistein and phycocyanobilin may prevent hepatic fibrosis by suppressing proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells
51. Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report
52. Bilirubin, platelet activation and heart disease: a missing link to cardiovascular protection in Gilbert's syndrome?
53. Guidance values for microcystins in water and cyanobacterial supplement products (blue-green algal supplements): a reasonable or misguided approach?
54. A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
55. Phycocyanin enhances secretary IgA antibody response and suppresses allergic IgE antibody response in mice immunized with antigen-entrapped biodegradable microparticles
56. Oral phycocyanobilin may diminish the pathogenicity of activated brain microglia in neurodegenerative disorders
57. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations
58. Effects of dietary Spirulina on vascular reactivity
59. Neuroprotection by Spirulina platensis protean extract and phycocyanin against iron-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
60. The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases: physiology and pathophysiology
61. Fatty acids profile of Spirulina platensis grown under different temperatures and nitrogen concentrations
62. Cadmium biosorption on Spirulina platensis biomass
63. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of spirulina and liv-52 in lead induced toxicity in albino rats
64. Modulatory potential of Spirulina fusiformis on testicular phosphatases in Swiss albino mice against mercury intoxication
65. α-Synuclein: the long distance runner
66. General survey of diabetic features of yellow KK mice
67. Antioxidant bilirubin works in multiple ways to reduce risk for obesity and its health complications
68. Enhancement of antitumor natural killer cell activation by orally administered Spirulina extract in mice
69. High variability in nutritional value and safety of commercially available Chlorella and Spirulina biomass indicates the need for smart production strategies
70. Effects of electromagnetic field on the batch cultivation and nutritional composition of Spirulina platensis in an air-lift photobioreactor
71. Protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by Spirulina in rats
72. Minimizing the cancer-promotional activity of cox-2 as a central strategy in cancer prevention
73. Protective effect of Spirulina against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced toxicity
74. Evaluation of protective efficacy of Spirulina fusiformis against mercury induced nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice
75. The microalga Spirulina platensis presents anti-inflammatory action as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties in diabetic rats
76. Spirulina or dandelion-enriched diet of mothers alleviates lead-induced damages in brain and cerebellum of newborn rats
77. Control of microglial neurotoxicity by the fractalkine receptor
78. Oral phycocyanobilin may diminish the pathogenicity of activated brain microglia in neurodegenerative disorders
79. Effects of the tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor genistein on the proliferation, activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells
80. NT-020, a natural therapeutic approach to optimize spatial memory performance and increase neural progenitor cell proliferation and decrease inflammation in the aged rat
81. Medical Application of Spirulina platensis Derived C-Phycocyanin
82. Monosodium glutamate (MSG): a villain and promoter of liver inflammation and dysplasia
83. Effect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary report
84. C-Phycocyanin inhibits MDR1 through reactive oxygen species and cyclooxygenase-2 mediated pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
85. Hyperbilirubinemia, augmentation of endothelial function, and decrease in oxidative stress in Gilbert syndrome
86. Alleviation of metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats by Spirulina maxima
87. Evaluation of microcystin contamination in blue-green algal dietary supplements using a protein phosphatase inhibition-based test kit
88. Arthrospira maxima prevents the acute fatty liver induced by the administration of simvastatin, ethanol and a hypercholesterolemic diet to mice
89. The protective effects of spirulina in cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity and urotoxicity in rats
90. Magnetic resonance imaging of the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease
91. Antiinflammatory and antihyperalgesic activity of C-phycocyanin
92. Anti-inflammatory effect of Spirulina fusiformis on adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice
93. Nutraceuticals synergistically promote proliferation of human stem cells
94. Edible blue-green algae reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB pathway in macrophages and splenocytes
95. Molecular study of dietary heptadecane for the anti-inflammatory modulation of NF-kB in the aged kidney
96. Vitamin A status in healthy women eating traditionally prepared spirulina (Dihé) in the Chad Lake area
97. Phycobiliproteins or C-phycocyanin of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima protect against HgCl(2)-caused oxidative stress and renal damage
98. Spirulina maxima pretreatment partially protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxicity
99. Antidiabetic potential of phycocyanin: effects on KKAy mice
100. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by C-phycocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis
101. Investigation on the role of Spirulina platensis in ameliorating behavioural changes, thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in offspring of pregnant rats exposed to fluoride
102. The effect of Spirulina platensis versus soybean on insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients: a randomized pilot study
103. Spirulina prevents memory dysfunction, reduces oxidative stress damage and augments antioxidant activity in senescence-accelerated mice
104. Role of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
105. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae
106. 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
107. Inhibitory effects of spirulina platensis on carcinogen-activating cytochrome P450 isozymes and potential for drug interactions
108. Gilbert's syndrome in healthy blood donors what next??
109. NADPH oxidase mediates glucolipotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction--clinical implications
110. Effect of spirulina maxima on the haloperidol induced tardive dyskinesia and oxidative stress in rats
111. Effect of spirulina maxima on the haloperidol induced tardive dyskinesia and oxidative stress in rats
112. Blueberry- and spirulina-enriched diets enhance striatal dopamine recovery and induce a rapid, transient microglia activation after injury of the rat nigrostriatal dopamine system
113. Opposing effects of oestradiol and progesterone on intracellular pathways and activation processes in the oxidative stress induced activation of cultured rat hepatic stellate cells
114. ALSUntangled No. 9: Blue-green algae (Spirulina) as a treatment for ALS
115. Dietary supplementation exerts neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke model
116. Effect of spirulina and Liv-52 on cadmium induced toxicity in albino rats
117. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen
118. Production of nitrogen oxide derivatives under the influence of NO-synthase inhibitors and natural compounds in mice with transplanted tumors
119. Spirulina platensis protects against renal injury in rats with gentamicin-induced acute tubular necrosis
120. Chemoprevention of DMH-induced rat colon carcinoma initiation by combination administration of piroxicam and C-phycocyanin
121. Pseudovitamin B(12) is the predominant cobamide of an algal health food, spirulina tablets
122. NADPH oxidases: an overview from structure to innate immunity-associated pathologies
123. Biosorption of cadmium by live and dead Spirulina: IR spectroscopic, kinetics, and SEM studies
124. Enhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteins
125. Increased cyclooxygenase-2 levels in carcinogen-induced rat colonic tumors
126. In vitro and in vivo safety assessment of edible blue-green algae, Nostoc commune var. sphaeroides Kützing and Spirulina plantensis
127. NADPH oxidase signal transduces angiotensin II in hepatic stellate cells and is critical in hepatic fibrosis
128. The role of calcium and mitochondrial oxidant stress in the loss of substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease
129. NADPH oxidase mediates oxidative stress in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease
130. Exercise and spirulina control non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and lipid profile in diabetic Wistar rats
131. Spirulina platensis versus silymarin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. A pilot randomized, comparative clinical trial
132. Toll-like receptor 2-dependent activation of monocytes by Spirulina polysaccharide and its immune enhancing action in mice
133. Clinical potential of Spirulina as a source of phycocyanobilin
134. Critical role of NADPH oxidase in neuronal oxidative damage and microglia activation following traumatic brain injury
135. Quantifying the effects of spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid and glucose concentrations, body weight, and blood pressure
136. C-Phycocyanin, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, induces apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages
137. Inhibitory effects of Spirulina in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice
138. United States pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina
139. Subchronic toxicity study in mice fed Spirulina maxima
140. Spirulina, the edible microorganism
141. Effects of spirulina, a blue-green alga, on bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats and hindlimb-unloaded mice
142. Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans
143. A spirulina-enhanced diet provides neuroprotection in an α-synuclein model of Parkinson's disease
144. Spirulina platensis feeding inhibited the anemia- and leucopenia-induced lead and cadmium in rats
145. Isolation of three high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations with potent immunostimulatory activity from Spirulina platensis, aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa
146. Chemoprotective effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira) against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenicity in mice
147. Piroxicam and C-phycocyanin mediated apoptosis in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride induced colon carcinogenesis: exploring the mitochondrial pathway
148. The effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens
149. Binding characteristics of copper and cadmium by cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis
150. Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trials
151. Evolution of NADPH Oxidase Inhibitors: Selectivity and Mechanisms for Target Engagement
152. Bilirubin decreases nos2 expression via inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase: implications for protection against endotoxic shock in rats
153. Neuroprotective effect of Spirulina in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
154. C-phycocyanin ameliorates doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult rat cardiomyocytes
155. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans
156. Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study
157. Toxin content and cytotoxicity of algal dietary supplements
158. Aortic Response to Strength Training and Spirulina platensis Dependent on Nitric Oxide and Antioxidants
159. Contamination by Microcystis and microcystins of blue-green algae food supplements (BGAS) on the Italian market and possible risk for the exposed population
160. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis
161. Hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case series
162. Assessing potential health risks from microcystin toxins in blue-green algae dietary supplements
163. Phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis is powerfully responsible for reducing oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase expression induced by an atherogenic diet in hamsters
164. Spirulina platensis protects neurons via suppression of glial activation and peripheral sensitization leading to restoration of motor function in collagen-induced arthritic rats
165. Inactivation of phytochrome- and phycobiliprotein-chromophore precursors by rat liver biliverdin reductase
166. Clinical potential of Spirulina as a source of phycocyanobilin
167. Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach, or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage
168. Wheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: a comparative study with spirulina
169. Spirulina and C-phycocyanin reduce cytotoxicity and inflammation-related genes expression of microglial cells
170. NAD(P)H oxidase plays a crucial role in PDGF-induced proliferation of hepatic stellate cells
171. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells
172. Antitumor NK activation induced by the Toll-like receptor 3-TICAM-1 (TRIF) pathway in myeloid dendritic cells
173. Adverse metabolic disorders during highly active antiretroviral treatments (HAART) of HIV disease
174. ''Iatrogenic Gilbert syndrome''--a strategy for reducing vascular and cancer risk by increasing plasma unconjugated bilirubin
175. Diets enriched in foods with high antioxidant activity reverse age-induced decreases in cerebellar beta-adrenergic function and increases in proinflammatory cytokines
176. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress
177. [Vitamin A equivalence of spinach beta-carotene in human body]
178. The effects of Panax ginseng and Spirulina platensis on hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium in rats
179. Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients
180. Evaluation of protective efficacy of Spirulina platensis against collagen-induced arthritis in rats
181. Spirulina improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, visceral fat macrophage aggregation, and serum leptin in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome
182. C-Phycocyanin ameliorates 2-acetylaminofluorene induced oxidative stress and MDR1 expression in the liver of albino mice
183. 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

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