Spirulina Shows Promise in Heart, Immune Health

KAILUA-KONA, HawaiiCyanotech recently published a paper on the benefits of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), a uni-cellular, blue-green microalgae. The purpose of the paper was to describe the species of Arthrospira platensisSpirulinaand provide a review of the literature in regards to four main areas of Spirulina research: immune system modulation, anti-viral activity, cancer preventive properties and cardiovascular benefits, focusing on research done since 2000 but a few references to work completed before 2000 in certain cases. (NUTRA foods. 2010;9(2):19-26).

Spirulina is highly nutritious and shows great diversity and higher concentrations of nutrients compared to other food sources. In fact, it is among the most nutritious, concentrated whole-food sources found in nature, contributing to its being known as a superfood," according to researchers. Many of the studies investigated benefits from pure Spirulina biomass, but some also researched extracts of Spirulina or isolated compounds from Spirulina (primarily C-phycocyanin, the blue-green pigment found only in Spirulina and other species of blue-green microalgae).

The review concluded: Spirulina shows potent immune stimulating effects; anti-viral activity against a variety of harmful viruses; promise as a cancer preventative agent and in the treatment of tumors; far ranging cardiovascular benefits, including improvement of blood lipid profiles, prevention of atherosclerosis; and control of hypertension.