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Spirulina Source Earth Food Spirulina Algae Links Spirulina Farms Spirulina Movies Spirulina Library Earth Food Spirulina Algae Links Spirulina Farms Spirulina Movies Spirulina Library Earth Food Spirulina 6. How spirulina is ecologically grown 8. Spirulina in the developing world 9. Role in restoring our planet A: Quality and Safety Standards © 2000 Robert Henrikson, Ronore Enterprises, Inc. |
4: New research
reveals health benefits (updated Nov 5, 1999) An international detective hunt has been underway for 20 years. Researchers in Japan, China, India, Europe and the USA are discovering how and why this microalgae is so effective for human and animal health. Hundreds of published scientific studies reveal how spirulina, and its unique phytonutrients and extracts, boost the immune system and improve health in many ways.
(This information is solely for education and information purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. People with medical questions should consult their physician or health professional.) Latest Scientific Research 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. Potent Anti-Viral Activity HIV-1 is the AIDS virus. Small amounts of spirulina extract reduced viral replication while higher concentrations totally stopped its reproduction. Importantly, with a therapeutic index of >100, spirulina extract was non-toxic to the human cells at concentrations stopping viral replication. Another group of medical scientists in Japan has published new studies regarding a purified water extract unique to spirulina named Calcium-Spirulan. It inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes Simplex, Human Cytomegalovirus, Influenza A virus, Mumps virus and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells. It protects human and monkey cells from viral infection in cell culture. According to peer reviewed scientific journal reports this extract, "holds great promise for treatment of HIV-1, HSV-1, and HCM infections, which is particularly advantageous for AIDS patients who are prone to these life-threatening infections."2 Calcium-Spirulan is a polymerized sugar molecule unique to spirulina containing both Sulfur and Calcium. Hamsters treated with this water soluble extract had better recovery rates when infected with an otherwise lethal Herpes virus.3 How does it work? When attacking a cell, a virus first attaches itself to the cell membrane. However, because of spirulina extract, the virus cannot penetrate the cell membrane to infect the cell. The virus is stuck, unable to replicate. It is eventually eliminated by the bodyÕs natural defenses. Spirulina extracts may become useful therapeutics that could help AIDS patients lead longer more normal lives. Anti-Cancer Effects Strengthens Immune System Feeding studies show even small amounts build up both humoral and cellular arms of the immune system.30 Spirulina accelerates production of the humoral system (antibodies and cytokines), allowing it to better protect against invading germs. The cellular immune system includes T-cells, Macrophages, B-cells and the anti-cancer Natural Killer cells. These cells circulate in the blood and are especially rich in body organs like the liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, adenoids, tonsils and bone marrow. Spirulina up-regulates these key cells and organs, improving their ability to function in spite of stresses from environmental toxins and infectious agents.4,25,28,29,30,31 Phycocyanin Builds Blood Based on this effect, spirulina is approved in Russia as a "medicine food" for treating radiation sickness. The Children of Chernobyl suffer radiation poisoning from eating food grown on radioactive soil. Their bone marrow is damaged, rendering them immunodeficient. Radiation damaged bone marrow cannot produce normal red or white blood cells. The children are anemic and suffer from terrible allergic reactions. Children fed just five grams in tablets each day made dramatic recoveries within six weeks.75 Other Potential Health Benefits Spirulina acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal flora, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Maintaining a healthy population of these bacteria in the intestine reduces potential problems from opportunistic pathogens like E. coli and Candida albicans. Studies show when spirulina is added to the diet, beneficial intestinal flora increase. Conclusion Scientists in the USA, Japan, China, Russia, India and other countries are studying this remarkable food to unlock its potential. More research is needed to determine its usefulness against AIDS and other killer diseases. However, it is already clear this safe and natural food provides concentrated nutritional support for optimum health and wellness.
2. Hayashi, T. et al. Calcium Spirulan, an inhibitor of enveloped virus replication, from a blue-green alga spirulina. Am. Chemical Soc. and Am. Soc. of Pharmacognosy. Journal of Natural Products, 1996. Vol 59, No. 1, p. 83-87. 3. Hayashi, K. et al. An extract from spirulina is a selective inhibitor of herpes simplex virus Type 1 penetration into HeLa cells. Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 7, p.76-80, 1993. 4. Hayashi, O. et al. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary spirulina. J. of Nutritional Sciences and Vitaminology, 40, p. 431-441, 1994. 5. Belay, A., Ota, Y. et al. Current knowledge on potential health benefits of spirulina. Journal of Applied Phycology. 1993. 5:235-241.
Next> Chapter 4 Part 2: Clinical Research with Spirulina Next Chapter> 5: Spirulina Products Around the World © 2000 Robert Henrikson, Ronore Enterprises, Inc. |
Order Earth Food Spirulina today direct from amazon.com!International Language Editions: Spanish (94) | Chinese (95) | Slovenian (96) | Macedonian (97) | Italian (98). English Edition 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" 188 page soft cover (ISBN 0-9623111-0-3) Publisher: Ronore Enterprises Inc., PO Box 909, Hana, HI 96713 USA. |
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