Spirulina Immune Support
© All Rights Reserved.
*Health related statements made throughout this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Products offered are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any specific disease.
Choose a topic of interest below.
Spirulina and Chlorella differences
Spirulina History
Spirulina Characteristics
Spirulina's efficacy on HIV and other RNA/DNA
viruses
Spirulina's efficacy on cancer and tumors
Harvard Study results
History making results
Quotes from researchers
Spirulina purchasing guidelines
The Study of Spirulina Effects on the AIDS Virus, Cancer and
the Immune System By Richard Kozlenko, D.P.M., Ph. D., M.P.H., and Ronald H
Henson
Spirulina (rhymes with "ballerina") is a
traditional food of some Mexican and African peoples. It is a planktonic
blue-green algae found in warm water alkaline volcanic lakes. Wild spirulina
sustains hugh flocks of flamingos in the alkaline East African Rift Valley
lakes. It possesses an amazing ability to thrive in conditions much too harsh
for other algae. As might be expected, it has a highly unusual nutritional
profile.
Spirulina has a 62% amino acid content, is the world's richest natural
source of vitamin B-12 and contains a whole spectrum of natural mixed carotene
and xanthophyll phytopigments. Spirula has a soft cell wall made of complex
sugars and protein, and is different from most other algae in that its easily
digested.
Millions of people worldwide eat spirulina cultivated in scientificaly
designed algae farms. Current world production of spirulina for human
consumption is more than 1,000 metric tons annually. The United States leads
world production followed by Thailand, India and China. More countries are
planning production as they realize it is a valuable strategic resource.
Back to the top
Spirulina is not chlorella, or the blue-green
algae harvested from Klamath Lake, Oregon. Chlorella, a green micro-algae, is a
nutritious food but does not have the same anti-viral, anti-cancer and immune
stimulating properties of spirulina. The chlorella cells wall is made of
indigestible cellulose, just like green grass, while the cell wall of spirulina
is made of complexed proteins and sugars.
The Klamath Lake blue-green algae has the scientific name Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae. There are serious concerns about the safety of eating it because it
can sometimes contian potent nerve toxins. While the scientific literature is
full of information concerning the toxicity of A. flos-aquae and its dangers to
humans and animals, there are few, if any, peer reviewed scientific papers
regarding therapeutic benefit. In contrast, the scientific literature is full
of information concerning the benefits and safety of humans and animals eating
chlorella and spirulina.
Spirulina is gaininig more attention from medical
scientists as a nutraceutical and source of potentioan 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
In April 1996, scientists from the Laboratoory 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 replicateion in human peripheral blood
mononuclear cells. A concentration of 5-10 ug/ml was found to reduce viral
production." 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 has published new stdies 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."
Calcium-Spirulan is a ploymeriez sugar
molecule unique to spirulina, containing boht sulfur and calcium. Hamsters
treated with this water-soluble extract had better recovery rates when infected
with an otherwise lethal herpes virus. 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 body's natural defenses. Spirulina extracts may become useful therapeutics
that could help AIDS patients lead longer, more normal lives.
Back to the top
Anti-Cancer Effects
Several studies show spirulinal or its extracts can prevent or inhibit
cancers in humans and animals. Some common forms of cancer are thought to be a
result of damaged cell DNA running amok, causing uncontrolled cell growth.
Cellular biologists have defined a system of special enzymes called
endonuclease which repair damaged DNA to keep cells alive and healthy. When
these enzymes are deactivated by radiation or toxins, errors in DNA go
unrepaired, and cancer may develop.
In vitro studies suggest the unique polysaccharides of spirulina enhance
cell nucleus enzyme activity and DNA repair synthesis. This may be why several
scientific studies observing human tobacco users and experimental cancers in
animals, report high levels of suppression of several important types of cancer
after being fed whole spirulina or treated with its water extracts.
Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. In scientific
studies of mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats and fish, spirulina
consistently improves immune system function. Medical scientists find spirulina
not only stimulates the immune system, it ectually enhances the body's ability
to generate new blood cells.
Important parts of the immune system, the bone marrow stem cells,
macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, exhibit enhanced activity. The
spleen and thymus glands show enhanced function. Scientists also observe
spirulina causing macrophages to increase in number, become "activated" and
more effective at killing germs.
Feeding studies show that even small amounts of spirulina build up both
the humoral and celiular arms of the immune system. 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 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
funcition n spite of stresses from environmental toxins and infections agents.
Spirulina has a dark blue-green color, because it is rich in a brilliant
blue polypeptide called phycocyanin, which affects the stem cells found in bone
marrow. Stem cells are "grandmother" to both white blood cells that make up the
cellular immune system and red blood cells that oxygenate the body. Chinese
scientists document phycocyanin as stumulating hematopoiesis (the creation of
blood), emulatin the affect of the hormone erythropoetin (EPO).
EPO is produced by healthy kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem cell
production of red blood cells. Chinese scientists claim phycocyanin also
regulates production of white blood cells, even when bone marrow stem cells are
damaged by toxic chemicals or radiation.
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 and unable to produce normal
red or white blood cells. They are anemic and suffer from terrible allergic
reactions. Children fed just five grams of spirulina tablets each day make
dramatic recoveries within six weeks. Children not given spirulina remain ill.
Back to the top
Spirulina is one of the most concentrated
natural sources of nutrition known. It contains all the essential amino acids,
is rich in chlorophyll, beta-carotene and its co-factors, and other natural
phytochemicals. Spirulina is the only green food rich in GLA essential fatty
acid. GLA stimulates growth in some animals and makes skin and hair shiny and
soft yet more durable. GLA also acts as anti-inflammatory, sometimes
alleviating symptoms of arthritic conditions.
Spirulina acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal
flora, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Maintaining a healthy population
of these bacteria in the intense 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.
Based on this preliminary research, scientists hope the use of spirulina
and its extracts may reduce or prevent cancers and viral diseases. Bacterial or
parasitic infections may be prevented or respoond better to treatment, and
would healing may improve. Symptoms of anemia, poisoning and immunodeficiency
may be alleviated.
Scientiests in the US, 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 that this safe and natural food provides
concentrated nutritional support for optimum health and wellsness. Richard
Kozlenko received his Masters in Public Health and Ph. D. in nutritional
biochemistry from USCL School of Medicine and Public Health. He is also a
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
Back to the top
Introduction
This article is about a 3 year Harvard Study done on Phycotene, which
was developed by Dr. Christopher Hills, the founder of Light Force. Phycotene
was found to enhance the immune system and fight cancer 25 times better than
beta-carotene.
Harvard Study: Research Results with Spirulina Extracts, Phycotene and
Cancer
We are pleased to announce the results of the important research
conducted by Harvard University scientists, Drs. Joel Schwartz and Gerald
Shklar of the Department of Oral Pathology, research that has been sponsored by
Microalgae International, (Drs. Schwartz and Shklar are two prominent members
of the Microalgae International Scientific Advisory Board.) Under the direction
of Dr. Christopher Hills, Microalgae International entered into sponsored
research and exclusive patent licensing agreements with Harvard University on
the use of beta-carotene and beta-carotene-rich algae extracts to inhibit the
development of cancer tumors and cause regression of existing tumors. The
objectives of the research at Harvard have been to compare the effects of
naturally occurring beta-carotene-rich algae complexes with pure synthetic
beta-carotene in the inhibition and regression of cancer, and to explore the
mechanism of the effect. The Harvard research team hopes to determine how these
substances affect the immune system and trigger the body's natural defense
mechanisms: recruitment and stimulation of macrophages, and the production of
tumor necrosis factor (TNF2) and possibly other immune-system modifiers.
Macrophages are front line immune cells that digest debris and alert
helper T cells to foreign invaders; they also stimulate the production of tumor
necrosis factor-alpha. An immune system chemical potent enough the help destroy
certain tumors.
Early results of the research at Harvard show that beta-carotene causes
the inhibition and regression of cancer in animals and in human and animal
cancer cells in culture. The research also shows that beta-carotene-rich
extracts of Spirulina and Dunaliella supplied by Microalgae International were
more effective than pure synthetic beta-carotene in killing cancer cells in
culture in some experiments. The preliminary results suggest that beta-carotene
and the algae products work, at least in part, by triggering the body's own
immune system defense mechanisms. Results of this research have been published
in the scientific literature, including CARCINOGENESIS, Harvard Medical Area
FOCUS, and BIOCHEMICAL BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS. Recently, in a
paper entitled "Growth Inhibition and Destruction of Oral Cancer Cells by
Extracts of Spirulina" presented at the American Academy of Oral Pathology's
annual meeting the Harvard group reported finding that the algae complex was
more effective than pure beta-carotene in some experiments on tumor cells in
culture. This is an exciting development in cancer research. Preliminary
results from the Harvard study suggest that a natural carotene protein complex
prepared from algae may act as an immune system modifier that marshals the
body's own intricate immune defense system to combat cancer. This promising
substance, trademarked PHYCOTENE consists of beta-carotene, fifteen other
natural carotenes's, and photodynamic pigments like chlorophyll and other
porphyrins.
Back to the top
"Research Produces Several Firsts"
Several firsts were achieved in this historic research:
1. For the first time, researchers discovered a non-toxic substance that
destroyed cancer tumor cells and totally regressed large cancer tumors without
any harmful side effects to normal healthy cells.
2. This is the first time that we have seen complete regression of
induced cancer tumors in hamsters without toxicity to normal cells. The hamster
cheek pouch model (used in the Harvard research) acts similarly to human
squamous cell carcinoma and has the same oncogene that makes this model very
close to the human and very promising.
3. These are the first scientific laboratory and animal studies that are
consistent with large-scale human population studies which show that diets high
in beta-carotene and other carotenes may lead to reduced cancer risks. As a
result, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute and the
National Research Council recommend increasing the levels of carotene in our
diet.
4. This is the first time we have evidence of a natural substance that
activates the body's own Interleukin system, enhances the immune system and
triggers the white blood cell macrophages to produce enough tumor necrosis
factor-alpha to specifically target and kill cancer cells without killing
normal cells or producing side effects.
The Harvard Medical Aria FOCUS reported on the presentation made by Drs.
Schwartz and Shklar at the American Academy of Oral Pathology meeting in
Toronto in May. "[The doctors reported] that extracts of a blue-green algae
called Spirulina - of which beta-carotene is a major component - inhibit growth
and destroy oral cancer cells in vitro. The Spirulina alga [PHYCOTENE] appears
to accomplish this by the same immunological means as beta-carotene alone. "
FOCUS quotes Dr. Schwartz as saying, "We're getting the same response [from
PHYCOTENE] at a lower does [than pure beta-carotene] so we know that
beta-carotene is working in conjunction with other components to enhance the
inhibition of tumor cell growth."
Back to the top
Quotes:
Dr. Schwartz: In another series of experiments, we used two different
types of Spirulina extra or PHYCOTENE, in relationship to the control tumor
cells, again demonstrating that as we increased the concentration, there is
dramatic decrease in the number of oral cancer cells, oral tumor cells. Dr.
Schwarz: What is important about our results here is that beta-carotene
PHYCOTENE, are relatively non-toxic, and in fact, our evidence right now is
that they're totally non-toxic. Dr. Schwartz: As you begin to treat with the
PHYCOTENE, or beta-carotene, you begin to see shriveling up, a death, the
destruction of the tumor cell and this becomes more evident as you go to a
higher concentration.
Dr. Shklar… We were so amazed by these results initially, that he
[Dr. Schwartz] called me down to see the animals, we called other people down;
none of them who saw these animals, with the quick disappearance of the tumors,
could believe they were the same animals. You'd see this huge tumor in the
animal and then four days later, the tumor is gone more or less in this animal
model. Almost unbelievable. And we had to look at this many times.
Dr. Shklar: We had… qualms about this mixture [PHYCOTENE] being
free of contaminants, and we're very pleased to find that it was free of
contaminants, and worked very effectively and more effectively than
beta-carotene that we were using. So we were very happy to extend our work with
PHYCOTENE extract, and when Dr. Schwartz uses PHYCOTENE, it has to be free of
contaminant, because those cells are growing in tissue culture, and the
slightest contaminant would kill those colonies. So we would have gotten no
results at all if there were any contaminants.
Dr. Shklar: Well, I'd like to say that we're cautiously optimistic. We
either will have a cure for cancer in hamsters, which we have at present or we
will have a major breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. If this works in
other species and works in humans the way it does in the hamster, and there are
enough reasons to believe that it will work, then I hate using the word
"breakthrough" because every day we have a breakthrough in cancer treatment,
but this will be an entirely new approach, an approach using non-toxic agents
not only to prevent cancer, but to regress cancer, to treat cancer, so that the
future could be fantastic.
Dr. Shklar: We feel the future involves, on the one hand, prevention of
cancer, and on the other hand, its regression, its treatment, by nontoxic
agents. I think this is what the future should be.
Purchasing Guide
Earthrise Spirulina products - Standardized pure Blue Green algae.
Earth's oldest whole food source completely nutritionally balanced and has the
highest protein content per pound than any other food source. Used for
nutritional support, energy, stress relief. Vegetarians use it as a non animal
source of protein and B-12. Body builders use it to build stamina. It's ideal
for fasting and body cleansing programs. Good for dieters. Also used to
supplement domestic animal nutrition and improve yields in aqua marine fish
farming.
Back to the top
