(Spirulina, Blue Green Algea, Red Marine Algea, Chlorella)
Algae are photosynthetic organisms, varying from small, single celled forms to complex multicellular forms, such as the giant kelps that grow to 65 meters in length. They occur in most habitats. Today, various species of Algae provide not only food but also produce extracts such as agar, carrageenans, and alginates. These extracts are used in numerous food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. Algae are ecologically important, and economically have been used as food and medicines for centuries. They are rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. In fact, they contain more beta-carotene than carrots. They have been used since ancient times as a source of nutrients and has been said to possess a variety of medical uses, including as an antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, weight loss aid, and lipid-lowering agent. Although Spirulina species are only a few of the many types of Blue Green Algae, the name Spirulina is often used to identify the whole group of edible Algae.
Spirulina has many potential medicinal uses. It contains antioxidants such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function and damage body cells, are the result of oxidation. Both beta carotene and zeaxanthin decrease the activity of oxygen free radicals. In addition, zeaxanthin is thought to strengthen the retina of the eyes, helping to prevent macular degeneration – a condition that distorts or destroys sight as parts of the eye deteriorate. Early results from ongoing animal studies indicate that antioxidants in Spirulina may also help to prevent a type of kidney stones that are caused by chemicals known as oxalates. It may also help to protect against damage that certain prescription drugs may cause to body organs.
Furthermore, in laboratory, animal, and human studies, Spirulina has shown the ability to enhance immune function. It may also block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction. By blocking histamine release, Spirulina may prevent or lessen histamine’s effects, which include blood vessel expansion, muscle contraction, and stomach acid production. Both the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of Spirulina may give it some anticancer properties.
References:
Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-spirulina.html
National Museum of National History. http://www.nmnh.si.edu/botany/projects/algae/economicuses.htm
Drug Digest. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,552734%7CBlue-Green%20Algae,00.html
Natural Herbal Medicinal Uses http://www.ecauldron.com/herbalnatural.php
