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Spirulina Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain spirulina. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.
The term spirulina refers to a large number of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. Scientists have studied spirulina for the following health problems: Allergic rhinitis | Anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina may improve certain aspects of allergic rhinitis. However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings. | Arsenic poisoning | Spirulina extract plus zinc may be useful for the treatment of arsenic poisoning. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings. | Eye disorders (blepharospasm) | Super blue-green algae may decrease eye lid spasms but additional high-quality research is necessary to make a recommendation. | Chronic fatigue syndrome | There is currently not enough evidence to recommend the use of spirulina in chronic fatigue syndrome. | High cholesterol | Several studies suggest that taking spirulina by mouth may lower blood cholesterol. However, these studies have been small, low quality and not fully convincing. Better studies are needed before spirulina can be recommended. | Diabetes | One study found that spirulina lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, this study was small and had flaws. More research is needed before spirulina can be recommended to lower blood sugar levels. | Weight loss | One study evaluated spirulina for weight loss. However, spirulina did not appear to have any additional weight loss benefits over placebo (sugar pill). At this time, there is no evidence to support the use of spirulina for losing weight. | Mouth cancer (oral leukoplakia) | Spirulina has been studied as a treatment for lesions in the mouth that may turn into cancer. Although evidence from one study suggests that spirulina may produce a remission of existing mouth lesions, this study had flaws and was conducted for a short time. Further studies are needed before spirulina can be recommended as a treatment for mouth cancer. | Chronic viral hepatitis | Preliminary study of spirulina for chronic viral hepatitis shows negative results. | Malnutrition | Spirulina has been studied as a food supplement in infant malnutrition. Spirulina does not seem to give added benefit over traditional renutritions, is more costly, and is not recommended. |
Spirulina has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult with a health care provider before using spirulina for any unproven use. Adaptogen
Anaphylaxis
Anemia
Antacid
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antispasmodic
Antiviral
Anxiety
Arthritis
Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Autoimmune disorders
Bowel health
Brain damage
Cancer
Candidal infection
Cardiovascular disease
Cirrhosis
Colitis
Cytomegalovirus
Depression
Digestion
Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity
Energy stimulant
Fatigue
Fatty liver
Fibromyalgia
Gastric secretory inhibition
H. pylori infection
Hair loss
Hepatoprotection
Gynecologic disorders
Hair loss | Heart disease
Herpes
High blood pressure
HIV
Immune enhancement
Infectious diseases
Influenza
Iron deficiency
Ischemia-reperfusion injury
Kidney disease
Lead-induced organ damage
Leukemia
Liver disease
Measles
Memory enhancement
Mood stimulant
Mumps
Neurodegeneration
Neuroprotection
Obstetric problems
Pneumonia
Premenstrual syndrome
Radiation sickness
Radiation-induced damage
Skin disorders
Sodium oxalate-induced nephroxicity (kidney damage)
Stomach ulcers
Stress
Tardive dyskinesia
Ulcers
Vitamin or nutrient depletion
Warts
Wound healing |
Allergies People with allergies to spirulina, blue-green algae or any of their constituents should avoid products containing spirulina. Side Effects Few side effects have been reported from spirulina if used at recommended doses. The most common complaints include headache, muscle pain, flushing and sweating. Skin reactions have been reported. In theory, spirulina may contain phenylalanine. It is best for individuals diagnosed with phenylketonuria to avoid spirulina. Contamination of blue-green algae with heavy metals is possible, especially in species that are often harvested in uncontrolled settings (for example, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis species). Liver damage, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Spirulina cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because scientific information is limited in this area.
Interactions with drugs, herbs and other supplements have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Spirulina may interact with immunomodulators, ACE inhibitors, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, diabetes drugs, antihistamines, cholesterol lowering drugs, neurologic drugs, and antivirals. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements In theory, spirulina may increase blood calcium to unsafe levels if calcium supplements are also used. Blue-green algae may contain high levels of vitamin B-12 or vitamin E. Spirulina may increase levels of protein, iron, gamma-linolenic fatty acid, carotenoids, and vitamins B1 and B2. Spirulina may interact with immunomodulators, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, antihistamines, herbs and supplements that lower blood sugar or cholesterol, neurologic herbs and supplements, and antivirals.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. For Allergic Rhinitis Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: A dose of one to two grams of spirulina has been taken daily for 12 weeks. For Arsenic Poisoning Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: 250mg of spirulina extract plus 2mg of zinc has been taken twice daily for 16 weeks. For High Cholesterol Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: A dose of 1.4 grams taken three times daily with meals by mouth has been used. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of spirulina have not been studied in children, and this supplement is not recommended for any use. For Diabetes Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: A dose of one gram twice daily with meals has been taken by mouth. For Mouth Cancer Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: 1g of Spirulina fusiformis has been taken daily for up to one year. For Weight Loss Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: A dose of 200 milligrams has been taken three times daily by mouth just before meals. For Mouth Cancer Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules/tablets: A dose of one gram has been taken daily by mouth.
Although spirulina has been suggested for many conditions, there is not enough evidence to support its use for treatment of any medical condition. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Spirulina is also best avoided by those with phenylketonuria. Spirulina appears to be well tolerated with few adverse effects when used at recommended doses. Spirulina may have additive effects when taken with certain vitamins. Interactions may occur with other therapies. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Spirulina Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Baicus C, Tanasescu C. Chronic viral hepatitis, the treatment with spiruline for one month has no effect on the aminotransferases. Rom J Intern Med 2002;40(1-4):89-94.
- Baicus C, Baicus A. Spirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trials. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):570-3.
- Branger B, Cadudal JL, Delobel M, et al. Spiruline as a food supplement in case of infant malnutrition in Burkina-Faso [Article in French]. Arch Pediatr 2003;May, 10(5):424-431.
- Chamorro G, Salazar M, Araujo KG, et al. Update on the pharmacology of spirulina (Arthrospira), an unconventional food [Article in Spanish]. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2002;Sep, 52(3):232-240.
- Hernandez-Corona A, Nieves I, Meckes M, et al. Antiviral activity of Spirulina maxima against herpes simplex virus type 2. Antiviral Res 2002;Dec, 56(3):279-285.
- Hirahashi T, Matsumoto M, Hazeki K, et al. 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. Int Immunopharmacol 2002;Mar, 2(4):423-434.
- Ionov VA, Basova MM. Use of blue-green micro-seaweed Spirulina platensis for the correction of lipid and hemostatic disturbances in patients with ischemic heart disease. Vopr Pitan 2003;72(6):28-31.
- Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;Dec, 97(12):3212-3213.
- Jensen GS, Ginsberg DI. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. J Amer Nutraceut Assoc 2000;2(3):50-58.
- Jensen GS, Ginsberg DI, Drapeau C. Blue-green algae as an immuno-enhancer and biomodulator. J Amer Nutraceut Assoc 2001;3(4):24-30.
- Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32.
- Misbahuddin M, Islam AZ, Khandker S, et al. Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2006;44(2):135-41.
- Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Samuels R, Mani UV, Iyer UM, Nayak US. Hypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndrome. J Med Food 2002;Summer, 5(2):91-96.
- Shih SR, Tsai KN, Li YS, et al. Inhibition of enterovirus 71-induced apoptosis by allophycocyanin isolated from a blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. J Med Virol 2003;May, 70(1):119-125.
- Watanabe F, Takenaka S, Kittaka-Katsura H, et al. Characterization and bioavailability of vitamin B12-compounds from edible algae. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2002;Oct, 48(5):325-331.
Last updated September 05, 2008
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