There are several varieties of fresh and salt-water organisms being sold as nutritional supplements, they are known generically as algae. Chlorella pyrenoidosa, is a green algae in the Kingdom Protista, Class Chlorophyceae. Spirulina spp. and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are freshwater cyanobacterium in the Kingdom Monera. They are commonly known as Chlorella, spirulina, blue-green algae, algae and microalgae.
The microalgae were no doubt a food source of early man, where they washed up on the shores of lakes they would be gathered and dried. This is still being done by Kanembu natives along the shores of Lake Johann in Chad in the African Sahara. There is archeological evidence that the Aztec cultivated spirulina in several lakes, including Texcoco in Mexico. Spirulina was also harvested by native of the Sahara Desert and know as dihe.
Spirulina and chlorella are both popular in Japan, where it is cultivated extensively and has been the interest of much scientific study. Spirulina has been sold in the United States in health food stores since about 1979.
Chlorella is single-celled, fresh-water green algae. It is believed to be the first form of cellular plant to have evolved a true nucleus and has existed for over 2.5 billion years, sine the Pre-Cambrian period. The name chlorella comes from its high chlorophyll level, higher than any known plant.
Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are photosynthetic bacteria that are often regarded as plants. They are called cynobacteria or blue-green algae. Spirulina spp. include both fresh water and salt water varieties, most commercial varieties are grown in tanks. A. flos-aquae is harvested from Klamath Lake in Oregon.
The entire organism is used as a food and supplement. To be effectively assimilated by the body the cell walls must be partially or fully broken down. It is available commercially in powders, capsules, pills, tinctures and candies.
Although the marketing of commercial products has attempted to establish a strong difference between these organisms, research indicates that they are alike enough to be similar in effects. These effects appear to be primarily nutritional, all of them having high levels of protein and abundant vitamins and minerals.
There are currently many studies going on which will help clarify the vast amount of antidotal evidence that supports these products. Spirulina has been studied the most currently and has been reported to reduce tumor grown, and enhance antibody production. It also reduced gastric secretion, exerted a preventative effect on liver triglycerides, and protected mouse bone marrow cells against gamma radiation. Spirulina was found to inhibit replication a number of enveloped viruses, apparently by inhibition of virus entry into host cells. These viruses included herpes simplex I, cytomegalovirus, mumps, measles, influenza A and HIV-1.1 Chlorella has also been shown to have antitumor properties, and to be an immunostimulant.2
These products have been highly recommended as a plentiful, nutritious food source, and even as a solution to food and protein shortages in Third World countries. They are currently primarily nutritional supplements on our market in the United States.
The algae are taken as a detoxifier of heavy metals, insecticides, pesticides PCBs and bodily toxins among others. It is also used as an antiviral, for tumors, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, arthritis, high cholesterol levels, hypertension and heart problems.3 It is also being recommended for senility, aging and as an immunostimulant.
Spirulina contains about 65% crude protein that includes all 22 amino acids, but without as desirable balance of these as in most animal proteins. It contains high levels of B-complex vitamins, although there is some question about the nutritional value of these. It has highly bioavailable iron and trace minerals, which include manganese, selenium and zinc. Calcium, potassium and magnesium is in concentrated form.4
Chlorella is about 60% protein, also with all 22 amino acids, but with a lower content of methionine. It also contains Vitamin C, provitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin B-12, biotin, choline, vitamin K, lipoic acid, inositol, para-aminobenzoic acid, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulpher, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt.5
A. flos-aquae contains about 63% protein, B vitamins, and a similar mixture of other vitamins and minerals.
Dosages recommended are 1 to 10 grams6 a day. Occasionally people experience nausea, intestinal upset, fever, chills, malaise and rashes which the distributors claim is the body riding itself of toxins or a “cleansing effect.”7
There is the possibility of contamination of mercury, cadmium, and lead. Spirulina can concentrate radioactive di- and trivalent metallic ions.8 Bacterial contaminates can adhere to the mucilaginous sheath encasing A. flos-aquae and Spirulina spp. However most cultivators pasteurize their product or do a “heat-sanitized” process. A. flos-aquae can produce hepatotoxins, such as microcystin and neurotoxins such as neosaxitoxin and anatoxin. The FDA regulates the level of these.
Footnotes:
1. “Spirulina”. Facts and Comparisons. The Review of Natural Products Feb 1998.
2. “Antitumor Properties of Chlorella”. HerbalGram; 20. Spring 1998. 23.
3. Willard, Terry PhD. The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal. Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd. Alberta Canada. 1991. 83-84.
4. “Spirulina”. Facts and Comparisons. The Review of Natural Products. Feb 1998.
5. Steenblock, David, Dr. “Chlorella, Natural Medicinal Algae”. Aging Research Institute. 1987. 3.
6. Willard, Terry PhD. The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal. Wild Rose College of Natural Healing Ltd. Alberta Canada. 1991. 83-84.
7. Muir, Maya. “Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae, A Big Controversy About A Small Organism”. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. April 1998. 89-95.
8. “Spirulina”. Facts and Comparisons. The Review of Natural Products. Feb 1998.