Ik noem spirulina al jarenlang superfood
net zoals bijvoorbeeld kaneel en bessen maar voornamelijk vanwege de interessante
voedingswaarde. Ben er nooit heel diep in gedoken maar als je er dan wat uurtjes insteekt
kun je heel wat meer interessante informatie vinden over deze zoutwater alg. In de VS
wordt het voornamelijk als anti-verouderingsprodukt gezien maar ook de rol bij diabetes en
het effect op het immuunsysteem zijn de moeite waard.
Ik heb de nodige studies en PDF eboeken
voor je op een rijtje gezet. Zelf neem ik spirulina bij de maaltijden als aanvulling op
mijn voeding. Op dit moment zo'n 3 gram per dag. Experts zeggen dat je dit kunt opvoeren
tot 10 gram per dag, zeker als je veel beweegt. Ik gebruik zelf spirulina van het merk
Earthrise [link].
Mensen met de ziekte PKU mogen geen
spirulina gebruiken, dit omdat spirulina het aminozuur Fenylalanine bevat. Belangrijke
bronnen van fenylalanine zijn verder kaas, amandel, pinda's, sesamzaad, sojabonen en
eiwitten in het algemeen. De kunstmatige zoetstof aspartaam bevat fenylalanine en
voedingsmiddelen die aspartaam bevatten zoals kauwgom en "Light" dranken
bevatten dan ook de vermelding "bevat een bron van fenylalanine" op de
verpakking.
Ron
De top 5 levensverlengers
De American Association of Retirement
People is een niet commerciële organisatie van gepensioneerde Amerikanen die iedere maand
een eigen magazine uitgeeft waarin deze maand aandacht voor voeding die je leven kan
verlengen:
De top 5 van levensverlengers volgens hun:
Spirulina Bevat oa phycocyanine, goede eiwitten en omega vetzuren
Cranberries, bosbessen en zwarte
bessen Deze bevatten anthocyanines and polyphenolen
Bladrijke groente zoals boerenkool
en spinazie Bevat veel luteïne
Amandelen en walnoten Bevatten omega 6 vetzuren en phytosterolen (plant sterolen) en vitamine E
(tocopherolen).
Lijnzaad (gebroken) Goede bron van omega 3 vetzuren en vezels
The AARP latest issue covers Spirulina
for "Living Longer Diet" article with Dr. Bickford quote below: Bickford and her
colleagues were surprised by the robustness with which "both the spirulina and apple
groups demonstrated improved neuron function in the brain, a suppression of inflammatory
substances in the brain, and a decrease in oxidative damage."
Via natuurwinkels kunt u tabletten kopen (60 gram tabletten voor ongeveer 10 euro) en
online kunt u poeder kopen voor rond de 60 euro per kilo poeder of 70 euro voor kilo
pillen (ruim genoeg voor 1 jaar gebruik)
Het algensupplement Spirulina platensis
beschermt de spieren van lopers tijdens intensieve training en verhoogt hun
uithoudingsvermogen. Dat ontdekten Taiwanese onderzoekers die proeven deden met zestien
studenten.
(Ann Nutr Metab. 2008;52(4):322-328.)
Honderdduizenden mensen slikken spirulina. De tabletten of capsules met de groen-blauwe
alg bevatten een keur van mineralen, vitamines en nog onbekende verbindingen die volgens
de supplementenmakers een hele reeks positieve gezondheidseffecten zouden hebben. Helemaal
onzin is het niet, doet een Koreaans onderzoek vermoeden. Spirulina verhoogt in het
lichaam de concentratie van de cytokine interleukine-2.
There has been an extensive amount of
research on the species Arthrospira Platensis, more commonly known as
“Spirulina.” This research dates back decades and has been conducted at
universities, at government sponsored research facilities, as well as by private
researchers throughout the world.
The results of the present study support
the primary findings regarding the hypoglycemic and hypolipdemic effect of spirulina.
Hence spray dried spirulina powder can be incorporated into a diabetic diet for improving
the carbohydrate and lipid diet for improving the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in
diabetics.
A randomized study to establish the effects
of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Since dyslipidemia, oxidative and
inflammatory stress are considered to be the contributing factors for diabetes, spirulina
is the most likely candidate as functional food for management of type 2 diabetes. In
conclusion, spirulina intervention brought in favorable effect on blood lipids,
anti-oxidant capacity, and inflammatory response in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes.
Our results also suggest that spirulina is a promising agent as a functional food for the
management of diabetes. Further studies with larger sample size and longer duration are
required to ascertain the mechanism of spirulina’s actions on lipid profiles, immune
variables, and antioxidant capacity
First USA Spirulina Algae
Production: Earthrise Farms 1983
Spirulina en astma
The Effect of Spirulina in the Treatment of
Bronchial Asthma
The results of this study suggest that
long-term supplementation of spirulina for more than two months on daily basis can
optimise an improvement of bronchial asthma.
This case study describes the experience of
Antenna Technologies, a Geneva-based NGO, with small-scale production of Spirulina and its
use as a tool to combat malnutrition. Spirulina is an algae growing naturally under
tropical conditions in alcaline water and can be cultivated in small ponds with little
investment.
To fulfill the mandate of the
Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition
(IIMSAM) to counter malnutrition globally through Spirulina; and to secure and achieve the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the organisation appointed eminent
Spirulina expert, Prof. Avigad Vonshak from the State of Israel as its Facilitator for
Spirulina Platensis. Professor Avigad Vonshak, IIMSAM's Facilitator for Spirulina
Platensis is a leading authority on the scientific and practical aspects of the
micro-algae who has worked for over thirty years in the field. Prof. Vonshak is the
Director of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research at the Ben Gurion University
in Israel and has helped promote and establish the use of Spirulina biomass in different
parts of the world for many years.
New study Finds that Spirulina
Enhances Running Performance
Scientists from the Institute of Human
Performance and Rehabilitation in Greece found that supplementing the diet with Spirulina
improved running capacity by 30% thus extending the time to exhaustion significantly. The
study also found that Spirulina supplementation a) increased fat oxidation, b) reduced
carbohydrate oxidation during a two hour run c) reduced oxidative stress and d) increased
antioxidant activity after exercise. Reduced carbohydrate utilization and reduced
oxidative stress due to increased antioxidant activity may have played a role in the
effects observed. The study utilized nine moderately trained individuals in a placebo
controlled cross over study where the subjects received Spirulina supplementation or
placebo for four weeks. The experiment was then repeated whereby the subjects who received
placebo received Spirulina and vice versa. Before and after supplementation, all of the
subjects ran on a treadmill at 70-75% VO2max for two hours and then at 95% VO2max to
exhaustion. This study supports a previous study from the Sport Science Research Center of
the National Taiwan College of Physical Education that showed that supplementation with
Spirulina prevented skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative damage. The
researchers believe that this probably leads to postponement of the time to exhaustion
during all-out exercise. The new study was published in the current issue of Medicine and
Science in Sports and Exercise (Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010, 42(1):142-51)
Growing Spirulina Algae in a
Village in West Africa
The Integrated Village System in Farende,
Togo, West Africa, an appropriate technology project developed by Dr. Ripley D. Fox
(1989). http://www.spirulinasource.com
Effect of Spirulina on Arsenicosis
Patients in Bangladesh
A research conducted in Japan has shown
that Spirulina reduced nephrotoxicity from mercury and three pharmaceutical drugs in
laboratory rats7. With the clinical use of Spirulina in hospitals or for outpatients,
higher dosage of such drugs and shorter recovery times may be possible. This study also
leaves the significant evidence in reducing the clinical manifestation of inorganic
arsenic toxicity in human body. Although mechanism of reducing the manifestation and mode
of action of Spirulina in human body was not attempted. But further investigation in this
line may make more clear evidence to use Spirulina as a fingertip treatment for
arsenicosis.
Green Business Entrepreneur with over 30
years experience in diverse fields such as algae, bamboo, carbon and natural resources,
specializing in developing business models for the green economy for our health, our
society, our planet.
An empirical study of the impact of
Spirulina as a nutritional supplement on dietary intake and Health Status of adolescent
girls of Shimla Anjali Dewan, Department of Homescience, St. Bede's College, Shimla
Abstract: The present study deals with 200
adolescent girls in the age group of 13-15 years from two Govt. Schools of Shimla
belonging to low income group. The subjects were equally divided into Experimental (E) and
Control groups (C). The respondents of group E were supplemented with 2 capsules (1gm.) of
spirulina after mixing with one serving (40gm.) of wheat besan ladoo daily for six days a
week for a period of two months while the group C was given a placebo for the same period.
The dietary survey was conducted for three consecutive days by 24 hour recall method
before and after supplementation. The results of the study showed that the mean daily
intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, sugar and jaggery was inadequate in
both the groups. The intake of roots and tubers, visible fat exceeded the recommended
allowances. Paleness of skin and conjunctiva, dental caries, fatigue were most prevalent
among the clinical signs. The prevalence of common ailments was more marked in group C
when compared with group E after introducing spirulina in the ladoos. Thus, better
nutritional status and health could be attributed to spirulina supplementation. The
adolescent girls were encouraged to eat a balanced diet.
An Extract of Spirulina is Found to
Have a Beneficial Effect on Eye Health
A group of scientists from Shandong Eye
Institute, Qingdao, China reported in the journal, Molecular Vision, that topical
application of a polysaccharide extract of Spirulina to cornea of mice prevented
vascularization (blood vessel invasion) of the cornea when such corneal damage was induced
by an alkali burn. A normal cornea is free from blood vessels and obtains its oxygen from
the air. However, inflammation caused by lack of oxygen, immunological conditions, and
contact lens wear among others, can encourage blood vessel invasion from under the cornea
creating a condition known as corneal neovascularization (CNV). CNV is generally
accompanied with an inflammatory response and always represents a state of disease. The
researchers studied CNV using six different assays to conclude that “polysaccharide
extract from Spirulina platensis is a potent inhibitor of CNV and that it may be of
benefit in the therapy of corneal diseases involving neovascularization and
inflammation”.
Study shows blue protein in
Spirulina powerfully blocks free radicals
Spirulina has an extensive history
worldwide as a nutritional supplement with a wide range of benefits. Research is now
confirming that it can play a powerful role in cardiovascular health. Two recent studies,
one human and one animal, highlight these new findings. “Antihyperlipemic and
Antihypertensive Effects of Spirulina maxima in an Open Sample of Mexican Population: A
Preliminary Report,” published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease, reports
on daily use of just 4.5 grams per day of Spirulina among 16 men and 20 women years of age
that resulted in lowered serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure without
a change in diet or lifestyle.
PDF - Probiotic Efficiency of
Spirulina platensis - Stimulating Growth of Lactic Acid Bacteria
The results obtained showed a spectrum of
antibacterial properties of S. platensis apart from increasing the growth of lactic acid
bacteria. In addition to the above benefits, Spirulina biomass increases the essential
amino acids and vitamin content. So the regular intake of Spirulina will not only improve
the intestinal lactic acid bacteria but also inhibit the growth of harmful human
pathogenic finally leading to the improved intestinal absorption. The abundance of
bioactive components in S. platensis is of great importance from a nutritional point of
view because it provides a new opportunity for the use of Spirulina as a perfect
neutraceutical.
PDF - Egypt - Chemoprevention of
rat liver toxicity and carcinogenesis by Spirulina
In summary, our study is the first to show
that DBN-induced severe liver injury and carcinogenesis in rat liver were prevented by SP
supplementation, suggesting that SP is a protective phyto-antioxidant against liver
toxicity and an anti-tumor agent. Further pre-clinical and clinical trials are warranted
to characterize the efficacy of SP in combination with existing therapeutics for
chemoprevention and chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
PDF - Immunohistochemical Study
Effects of Spirulina Algae on the Induced Mammary Tumor in Rats
The conclusion of this work suggests that
Spirulina platnesis could be considered as a chemotherapeutic agent that causes apoptosis
to tumor cells by reducing the number of malignant cells and resists cancer formation. It
is probable, the present study is the first to study the correlation between the effects
of spirulina on the induced mammary tumor in rats and the proliferation in this type of
cancer.
Spirulina has been found to increase weight
gain anemia in both HIV-infected and HIV-negative undernourished children[22] because of
its excellent nutritional quality. Spirulina is effective for the clinical improvement of
melanosis and keratosis due to chronic arsenic poisoning.[23]
A study in 2005 found that spirulina
protects against hay fever.[24] A more recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study in
2008 concerning 150 allergic rhinitis patients found that Spirulina platensis
significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin-4 by 32%, and the
patients experienced symptomatic relief.[25] Furthermore, Spirulina was found to reduce
the inflammation involved in arthritis in geriatric patients by stimulating the secretion
of interleukin-2, which helps in regulating the inflammatory response.[26]
A 2007 study[27] found that 36 volunteers
taking 4.5 grams of spirulina per day, over a six week period, exhibited significant
changes in cholesterol and blood pressure: (1) lowered total cholesterol; (2) increased
HDL cholesterol; (3) lowered triglycerides; and (4) lowered systolic and diastolic blood
pressure. This study, however, did not contain a control group; researchers can not be
confident that the changes observed are due totally, or even partially, to the effects of
the Spirulina maxima, as opposed to other confounding variables (i.e., history effects,
maturation effects or demand characteristics). A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled intervention study involving geriatric patients determined that
spirulina helped to significantly reduce the low density lipoprotein to high density
lipoprotein ratio after four months of supplementation.[26]
A 2007 study concluded that spirulina
improved the antioxidant potential of many geriatric patients who were administered it for
16 weeks. The plasma of these patients showed a measured increased level of total
antioxidant status.[26] A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2006 found that
spirulina supplementation decreased the amount of creatine kinase, an indicator of
muscular breakdown, in individuals after exercise. Furthermore, the experimental group's
time to exhaustion during all out treadmill exercise increased by 52 seconds. These
effects were thought to be due to spirulina's antioxidant potential.[28]
See 2010 published study: Maria Kalafati;
Athanasios Z. Jamurtas; Michalis G. Nikolaidis; Vassilis Paschalis; Anastasios A.
Theodorou; Giorgos K. Sakellariou; Yiannis Koutedakis; Dimitris Kouretas, Ergogenic and
Antioxidant Effects of Spirulina Supplementation in Humans, Medicine and Science in Sports
and Exercise®. 2010;42(1):142-151, concluding a positive effect occurred, although the
mechanism was not well understood.
Microcystins niet in spirulina, wel
in andere blauw-groene algen
According to the research conducted by
Health Canada, only one strain of blue green algae, Spirulina, is free from microcystins
as Spirulina is harvested from controlled ponds. Most of the non-Spirulina blue green
algae supplements are contaminated by microcystins, especially those harvested from
natural lakes. Daily consumption of these dietary supplements would exceed the acceptable
level of microcystin intake established by Health Canada and WHO.
Accordingly, it can be concluded that
spirulina has a beneficial effect on plasma insulin, C-peptide and hexokinase activity.
Moreover, its antihyperglycemic effect in clinical trials (26-30) could represent a
protective mechanism against the development of atherosclerosis and to maintain
euglycemia.
The Potential Application of
Spirulina (Arthrospira) as a Nutritional and Therapeutic Supplement in Health Management
Despite the few human studies done so far
on the health benefits of Spirulina, the evidence for its potential therapeutic
application is overwhelming in the areas of immunomodulation, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and
cholesterol-reduction effects. Traditional therapies always rely on the use of natural
products and have been the source of information for the discovery of many drugs we have
today. Currently, increased cost of health care has become a driving
force in the shift towards interest in wellness, selfcare, and alternative medicine, and a
greater recognition between diet and health care. Spirulina is already in use in these new
health care approaches. Further clinical research
will help solidify the merit of its use.
This study examines the possibility of
using live spirulina to biologically remove aqueous lead of low concentration (below 50
mg/L) from wastewater. The spirulina cells were first immersed for seven days in five
wastewater samples containing lead of different concentrations, and the growth rate was
determined by light at wavelength of 560 nm. The 72 h-EC50 (72 h medium effective
concentration) was estimated to be 11.46 mg/L (lead). Afterwards, the lead adsorption by
live spirulina cells was conducted. It was observed that at the initial stage (0–12
min) the adsorption rate was so rapid that 74% of the metal was biologically adsorbed. The
maximum biosorption capacity of live spirulina was estimated to be 0.62 mg lead per 105
alga cells.
Adding spirulina to cultured immune system
cells significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines, say
immunologists at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center. Their finding is
published in the Fall issue of the Journal of Medicinal Foods. Spirulina are blue-green
algae rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Used as a food
supplement for more than 20 years, spirulina grows naturally in lakes with extremely high
pH levels, but it is also harvested from large-scale commercial ponds, where purity is
monitored before being dried and distributed in tablet and powdered form.
A number of animal studies have shown
spirulina to be an effective immunomodulator (an agent that can effect the behavior of
immune cells.) In rats spirulina inhibited allergic reactions by suppressing the release
of histamine in a dose-dependent fashion. In cats, spirulina enhanced the ability of
macrophages to engulf bacteria, and in chickens spirulina increased antibody responses and
the activity of natural killer cells, which destroy infected and cancerous cells in the
body. While extensive human studies have not been done, several reports also suggest
spirulina has therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia and obesity. In one study, spirulina
decreased total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while
increasing high-density lipoprotein. A 1986 study of obese patients showed a significant
reduction of body weight after including spirulina in the diet for four weeks. In the UC
Davis study, researchers evaluated the secretion of the cytokines interferon-gamma,
interleukin-4, and interleukin-1beta in the lab to get a better understanding of
spirulina's potential regulatory effect on the immune system.
"We found that nutrient-rich spirulina
is a potent inducer of interferon-gamma (13.6-fold increase) and a moderate stimulator of
both interleukin-4 and interleukin-1beta (3.3-fold increase)," says Eric Gershwin,
professor and chief of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at UC
Davis. "Together, increases in these cytokines suggest that spirulina is a strong
proponent for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites and can potentially
increase the expression of agents that stimulate inflammation, which also helps to protect
the body against infectious and potentially harmful micro-organisms. Additional studies
with individuals consuming spirulina are needed to determine whether these dramatic
effects extend beyond the laboratory."
In the body, the preferential increase in
the production of interferon-gamma over interleukin-4 would shift the immune system
towards mounting a cell-mediated immune response instead of a humoral response. A
cell-mediated response includes the activation of T-cells and antibodies that work with
macrophages, another type of immune system cell, to engulf invading micro-organisms.
Hence, spirulina's strength in protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites.
The moderate increase in the secretion of interleukin-1beta, a cytokine that acts on
nearly every cell of the body to promote inflammation, works to support the overall immune
response.
Spirulina promotes stem cell
genesis and protects against LPS induced declines in neural stem cell proliferation
When examined on neural stem cells in
culture spirulina increased proliferation at baseline and protected against the negative
influence of TNFalpha to reduce neural stem cell proliferation. These results support the
hypothesis that a diet enriched with spirulina and other nutraceuticals may help protect
the stem/progenitor cells from insults.
Dietary supplementation with
blueberries, spinach, or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage
We found that animals which received
blueberry, spinach, or spirulina enriched diets had a significant reduction in the volume
of infarction in the cerebral cortex and an increase in post-stroke locomotor activity.
There was no difference in blood biochemistry, blood CO2, and electrolyte levels among all
groups, suggesting that the protection was not indirectly mediated through the changes in
physiological functions. Animals treated with blueberry, spinach, or spirulina had
significantly lower caspase-3 activity in the ischemic hemisphere. In conclusion, our data
suggest that chronic treatment with blueberry, spinach, or spirulina reduces
ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis and
cerebral infarction.
Spirulina in its natural balance is a
nutritious health food. There are no negative effects of very high dosages known since it
was taken over a long period of time as a sole food by many people. It is a concentrated
whole food. It is
organic food and this is the difference to other vitamin concentrates. Most vitamins
available from the shelf are synthetic and if taken in high dosages can have negative side
effects such as with synthetic vitamin A which can lead to hair loss, blurred vision,
liver damage and headaches and with synthetic vitamin D which can interfere with the
functioning of our muscles including our heart and can lead to a build up of calcium
deposits. The body's own production of Vitamin D while sunbathing cannot create an
overdose of Vitamin D but synthetic supplements can do so.
Loosing weight?
Spirulina became very popular with articles
like The Safe New Diet Pill. Indeed Spirulina can be used for weight loss. It is low in
calories and fat and is highly digestible and what is very important, it is in its natural
balance. Research in Germany showed, in a double blind crossover study, that overweight
people lose weight slowly but steadily with Spirulina. There is a side effect, a positive
one, a drop in serum cholesterol levels was registered as well. The daily intake was only
six tablets and the researchers concluded that a higher dosage of Spirulina may result in
a faster weight reduction. An important factor, why Spirulina is beneficial for slimming
is the high content Tyrosine which suppresses hunger.
Spirulina is gaining more attention from
medical scientists as a nutraceutical and source of potential pharmaceuticals. There are
several new peer reviewed scientific studies about spirulina's ability to inhibit viral
replication, strengthen both the cellular and humoral arms of the immune system and cause
regression and inhibition of cancers. While these studies are preliminary and more
research is needed, the results so far are exciting.
PDF - Antioxidant Properties of
Spirulina (Arthospira) platensis
Cyanobacteria of the genus Spirulina have
been studied not only because of the potential as a protein source but also because of
their therapeutic properties, which include reports of the ability of preparations of this
cyanobacterium to prevent and inhibit cancers, to decrease blood cholesterol levels,
stimulate the immunological system, to reduce the nefrotoxicity of pharmaceuticals and
toxic metals and provide protection against the harmfull effects of radiation
Robert Henrikson has been instrumental in
developing spirulina as a world food resource for 22 years. He is President of a major
algae food company and a director of the world’s largest spirulina farm. He has been
eating close to ten grams a day of this green food for over 19 years, about as long as
anyone.
Hepatoprotective effects of
Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Treatment had therapeutic effects as
evidenced by ultrasonography and the aminotransferase data. Hypolipidemic effects were
also shown. We conclude that Spirulina maxima may be considered an alternative treatment
for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases and dyslipidemic disorder.
The microalgae industry has developed to
its current status by providing a safe and nutritious product for the human supplement
market as well as the animal and aquaculture feed markets. The vast majority of this
microalgae biomass is produced from Spirulina, Chlorella, and Aphanizomenon flos-aqua.
Concern over the discovery of toxic algae blooms in Klamath Lake underscore vital
differences between cultured Spirulina and species of wild lake-grown algae. Scientists
believe there are over 30,000 species of microscopic algae. The immense range of species
includes nutritious varieties like Spirulina and Chlorella, as well as potentially
dangerous species such as the Microcystis strains identified in Upper Klamath Lake. In
this way, microalgae are similar to mushrooms— common cultured table mushrooms are
absolutely safe and healthful while others, such as toadstools can be poisonous. The same
situation occurs in the bacterial group—some, like the lactobacilli are essential for
good digestion while others, such as Salmonella can cause disease. Cultured Spirulina can
be grown free of contaminating algae for several reasons. The growing conditions for
Spirulina are unique as it is cultivated and thrives in very alkaline conditions.
Competitor algae and other contaminants simply cannot compete and grow under these harsh
conditions.
Superfoods for Optimum Health -
Chlorella and Spirulina
Chlorella and spirulina are truly the most
astounding food sources on planet Earth. In this special report, you'll learn about the
astonishing health benefits and nutritional achievements of these two foods, and you'll
see why you need to get these into your diet immediately. Most people have heard of
chlorella and spirulina, but they don't really know the details of why these are truly the
best food sources on the planet. For example, did you know that, ounce per ounce,
spirulina contains twelve times the digestible protein of beef? It's a far better protein
than beef, and it contains a much healthier mineral balance (such as magnesium) that just
isn't found in beef."
Incorporation of Chlorella vulgaris
and Spirulina maxima biomass in pasta products
Microalgae pastas presented very
appellative colours, such as orange and green, similar to pastas produced with vegetables,
with nutritional advantages, showing energetic values similar to commercial pastas. The
use of microalgae biomass can enhance the nutritional and sensorial quality of pasta,
without affecting its cooking and textural properties.
PDF - Effect of Spirulina Food
Supplement on Blood Morphological and Biochemical Composition in Sportsmen
Analysis of the biochemical indices showed
that during the whole experimental period the mean values of the indices were within the
recommended limits. Under the effect of Spirulina intake, blood creatinine-kinase levels
tended to increase and creatinine levels showed a decreasing tendency (on average from
93.99 to 90.45 mmol/l); also, triglyceride and bilirubin levels tended to decrease, while
those of urea and uric acid increased. Most of the positive changes in blood morphological
and biochemical indices were still present two weeks after the Spirulina intake was
interrupted.
Protective Effect of Spirulina
against Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity
These results suggest that Spirulina has a
protective effect against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX and it may, therefore, improve the
therapeutic index of DOX.
Effects on the AIDS Virus, Cancer
and the Immune System
In April 1996, scientists from the
Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School
and Earthrise Farms, Calipatria, California, announced on-going research, saying
"Water extract of Spirulina platensis inhibits HIV-1 replication in human derived
T-cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A concentration of 5-10
mg/ml was found to reduce viral production." HIV-1 is the AIDS virus.
Spirulina has typically been taken by mouth
two to three times daily with meals in doses of 1-1.4 grams for diabetes mellitus (type
2), high cholesterol, or oral leukoplakia (pre-cancerous mouth lesions). For weight loss,
200 milligrams of spirulina tablets by mouth three times daily, taken just before eating,
has been studied. Two grams of spirulina has been used for nasal allergies. For arsenic
poisoning, twice daily doses of 250 milligrams of spirulina extract plus 2 milligrams of
zinc may be helpful.
Characterization of microalgal
carotenoids by mass spectrometry and their bioavailability and antioxidant properties
A time-course study of carotenoids in rats
after administration of microalgal biomass showed peak levels in plasma, liver, and eyes
at 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively. beta-Carotene accumulation in Spirulina-fed rats was
maximum in eye tissues at 6 h. Similarly, levels of astaxanthin and lutein in
Haematococcus- and Botryococcus-fed rats were also maximal in eye tissues. Astaxanthin
from H. pluvialis showed better bioavailability than beta-carotene and lutein. The
antioxidant enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and TBARS were
significantly high in plasma at 2 h and in liver at 4 h, evidently offering protection
from free radicals. This study implies that microalgae can be a good source of carotenoids
of high bioavailability and nutraceutical value.
Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and
antiinflammatory activities of microalgae Spirulina
Spirulina is free-floating filamentous
microalgae growing in alkaline water bodies. With its high nutritional value, Spirulina
has been consumed as food for centuries in Central Africa. It is now widely used as
nutraceutical food supplement worldwide. Recently, great attention and extensive studies
have been devoted to evaluate its therapeutic benefits on an array of diseased conditions
including hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycerolemia, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory
diseases, cancer, and viral infections. The cardiovascular benefits of Spirulina are
primarily resulted from its hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities.
Data from preclinical studies with various animal models consistently demonstrate the
hypolipidemic activity of Spirulina. Although differences in study design, sample size,
and patient conditions resulting in minor inconsistency in response to Spirulina
supplementation, the findings from human clinical trials are largely consistent with the
hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina observed in the preclinical studies. However, most of
the human clinical trials are suffered with limited sample size and some with poor
experimental design. The antioxidant and/or antiinflammatory activities of Spirulina were
demonstrated in a large number of preclinical studies. However, a limited number of
clinical trials have been carried out so far to confirm such activities in human.
Currently, our understanding on the underlying mechanisms for Spirulina's activities,
especially the hypolipidemic effect, is limited. Spirulina is generally considered safe
for human consumption supported by its long history of use as food source and its
favorable safety profile in animal studies. However, rare cases of side-effects in human
have been reported. Quality control in the growth and process of Spirulina to avoid
contamination is mandatory to guarantee the safety of Spirulina products.
Protective effects of Spirulina
maxima on hyperlipidemia and oxidative-stress induced by lead acetate in the liver and
kidney
It was concluded that Spirulina maxima has
protective effects on lead acetate-induced damage, and that the effects are associated
with the antioxidant effect of Spirulina.
Protective effect of Spirulina
against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide induced toxicity
In the present study, we focused on the
protective effect of Spirulina against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) induced hepato and
nephrotoxicity in the experimental rats. The 4NQO administration resulted in increased
levels of hepatic and renal markers [Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase
(AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, creatinine and uric acid] in the serum of
experimental animals. It also increased the oxidative stress resulting in increased levels
of the lipid peroxidation with a concomitant decline in the levels of non enzymic [reduced
glutathione (GSH)] and enzymic antioxidants [(Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT),
Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST)] in both liver and
kidney. Oral pretreatment with aqueous extract of Spirulina prevented 4NQO induced changes
in the levels of hepatic and kidney diagnostic marker enzymes in the serum of experimental
rats. It counteracted the 4NQO induced lipid peroxidation and maintained the hepatic and
kidney antioxidant defense system at near normal in both liver and kidney. The antioxidant
responsiveness mediated by Spirulina may be anticipated to have biological significance in
eliminating reactive free radicals that may otherwise affect normal cell functioning and
provide a scientific rationale for the use of Spirulina.
Spirulina prevents atherosclerosis
by reducing hypercholesterolemia in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet
The anti-atherogenic effects of spirulina
(Spirulina platensis) were investigated in the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model. The
animal had hypercholesterolemia induced by being fed a high cholesterol diet (HCD)
containing 0.5% cholesterol for 4 wk, and then fed a HCD supplemented with 1 or 5%
spirulina (SP1 or SP5) for an additional 8 wk. Spirulina supplementation lowered intimal
surface of the aorta by 32.2 to 48.3%, compared to HCD. Serum triglyceride (TG) and total
cholesterol (TC) significantly were reduced in SP groups. After 8 wk, serum low density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remarkably decreased by 26.4% in SP1 and 41.2% in SP5,
compared to HCD. On the other hand, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was
markedly increased in SP1 and SP5 compared with that in the HCD group from 2 to 8 wk.
These results suggest that spirulina intake can cause the reduction of
hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis, associated with a decrease in levels of serum TC, TG
and LDL-C, and an elevation of HDL-C level. Spirulina may, therefore, be beneficial in
preventing atherosclerosis and reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Blueberry- and spirulina-enriched
diets enhance striatal dopamine recovery and induce a rapid, transient microglia
activation after injury of the rat nigrostriatal dopamine system
In conclusion, enhanced striatal dopamine
recovery appeared in animals treated with diet enriched in antioxidants and
anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and coincided with an early, transient increase in
OX-6-positive
microglia.
