The ability of spirulina to produce its own food through photosynthesis classified it as a variety of blue-green algae. But the fact is this: it is not in any way related to other known algae. Spirulina has remained unchanged since it first appeared in the earth billion of years ago. It basically got its name from its spiral, or helical shape, and since its first use as a food supplement, spirulina has been subjected to different studies to further discover its health benefits.

The Multiple Health Benefits of Spirulina

A review written by the Vice President on Sales and Marketing of Cyanotech, Bob Capelli, on the different literatures and study on spirulina suggested further research on the potential benefits of spirulina. He said that the blue-green algae’s antioxidant properties and its significance as a dietary supplement should encourage researchers to further study the potential preventive and curative properties of spirulina against serious health conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and immunity problems. Cyanotech’s Chief Scientific Officer, Gerald Cysewski, co-authored the review.

The authors concluded that spirulina has great potentials in stimulating the immune system and inhibiting viral activities that causes different diseases. This conclusion was made after reviewing previous studies on products made from the algae. They added that spirulina is also a potential candidate in the search for finding a way to treat and prevent cancer by restraining the growth of tumors.

A study on spirulina showed the algae’s potential in boosting the immune system by stimulating the production of more immune cells that fights viruses and by improving the ability of the other components of the immune system to fight infection and stop cancer activities.

Spirulina’s effects on the Immune System

Spirulina stimulates the immune system in the human body through the enhancement cells’ resistance against infections, and also by influencing the production of new blood cells, cytokines and antibodies. The anti-viral property of spirulina was observed in dried biomass and water extracts. The unique ability of spirulina in fighting viruses is due to its high polysaccharide content and as well as other contributing components. Despite the various studies dedicated to the discovery and validation of the health benefits of spirulina, there are very little studies on the algae’s effects on cancer with the facilitation of human subjects. The studies on spirulina’s benefits against cancer are limited to the use of animals like mice but, nonetheless, showed its potential in reducing tumor size and preventing a vital cancer process called carcinogenesis.

A research conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California’s School of Medicine found that the introduction of spirulina to cultured immune cells increased their production of cytokines, which are responsible for killing viruses. The study was published in an issue of the Journal of Medicinal Foods. Earlier animal studies on the effects of spirulina to the immune system have shown that it is a strong immunomodulator or an agent, unnatural to the human body that stimulates the immune system and improves its functions. A study on rats showed that spirulina inhibited allergic reactions by suppressing the production of histamine. It also improved the ability of macrophages to engulf bacteria that enters the body in cats. A related study on chickens demonstrated the ability of spirulina to increase antibodies and improve its capacity to destroy cancerous and infected cells.

In their study, the researchers from the UC School of Medicine gathered blood samples from 12 study participants and isolated the peripheral blood mononuclear cells--which include lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages-- to simulate a normal immune system environment in vitro and observe its response to infection after the application of spirulina. They then measured the changes in cytokine levels in the cultured blood samples after 72 hours through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. The result of the study on spirulina for stronger immunity are preliminary but further study on the benefits of spirulina in boosting the immune system can help establish more evidence.

Spirulina’s effects on the Heart

The benefits of spirulina in promoting cardiovascular health, on the other hand, have been well established. It is a topic in many research papers according to the review. A report on different studies on the effects of spirulina to the heart showed that the algae reduces blood pressure by reducing plasma lipid concentrations, LDL or bad cholesterol levels and triacylglycerols.

More studies are needed on the health benefits of spirulina, including the effect of its pigment c-phycocyanin, to gather enough evidence to strongly establish its significance in reducing the risk of developing heart disease and cancer, and improve immunity. The review encompassed studies on spirulina for the past 10 years. They either used pure dried spirulina biomass or isolated compounds, showing no noticeable difference in efficacy. The secret lies on the c-phycocyanin content of spirulina which gives it its distinct dark green appearance.

Spirulina’s Anti-Cancer Potential

Spirulina is also a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This makes it significant in protecting the body against carcinogens, endogenous as well as environmental mutagens. A study on the potency of spirulina in inhibiting the growth of histiocystic tumor in rats showed that it engenders the cancer cells to die through apoptosis resulting to a reduction of cancer cells.

The other health benefits of spirulina include:

• Improving cellular communication
• repairing damaged DNA
• increasing vitality and energy
• decreasing LDL lipoprotein and reducing total serum cholesterol
• improving blood lipid profiles
• controlling hypertension
• preventing atherosclerosis;
• reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Several studies also suggest that spirulina can benefit people who are obese. Another study showed that the supplementation of spirulina reduce the body weight of participants in a period of four weeks.

There are many brands of spirulina supplements today. Some may vary in concentration and others will offer the pure benefits of spirulina without any added extender or other additives. When looking for the best spirulina supplement, always see to it that you are choosing a trusted brand that has been making spirulina supplement for years. And never forget to consult your physician before taking spirulina or any other food supplement. There may be some health conditions that can be aggravated by the intake of specific natural food supplements.

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
ucdmc.ucdavis.edu