Since our own and customer observations show that spirulina is able to overcome runny noses, coughs and even fever within a couple of days, this time we will look at what scientists have studied. How Spirulina fights viruses, prevents mortality, for example, from COVID-19 and flu , improves the results of HIV therapy and hepatitis C treatment.
How does spirulina work?
- Spirulina contains an effective substance called calcium spirulina (Ca-Sp). It can inhibit the proliferation of various enveloped viruses, including mumps,
measles virus, influenza A virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), incl. the development of various human herpes viruses (cytomegalovirus, HSV-1, HSV-2). [Sibiu 2022] - Extract of Spirulina inhibits viral plaque formation in a wide range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir resistant strains [chen 2016]
- Spirulina extract reduced viral replication in cell cultures and was shown to be safe and well tolerated as confirmed by cell and animal toxicity studies [Chen, 2016].
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, such as the ability to prevent and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of histamine.
- It increases levels of B vitamins, especially B6, and reduces levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in people with allergic rhinitis.
- It improves mucosal immunity by increasing the level of immunoglobulin A in saliva.
- It enhances the activity of lymphocytes (Natural Endangered Cells) and increases the secretion of interferon-g (IFN-g), thereby improving the innate immune system.
- Spirulina extract delayed the infection process by disrupting hemagglutination of viral particles on erythrocytes. [chen 2016]
- It is a strong inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, which is one of the proteins responsible for the generation of ROS and subsequent oxidative stress [Sibiya 2022].
- Spirulina prevents free radical-induced apoptotic cell death by inhibiting oxidative stress [Sibiya 2022]
measles virus, influenza A virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), incl. the development of various human herpes viruses (cytomegalovirus, HSV-1, HSV-2). [Sibiu 2022]Improves recovery and significantly reduces mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.*
189 patients participated in the study; half received 15.2 g Spirulina and standard treatment.
As a result, within seven days, there were no deaths in the Spirulina group. Moreover, there were 15 deaths (15.3%) in the control group. In addition, more patients in the Spirulina group (97.7%) were discharged from the ICU compared to the control group (39.1%) and had significantly lower levels of inflammatory cytokines within seven days. On the other hand, taking only 1g of spirulina 2x a day did not help.
SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers the innate immune system to release different types of cytokines, known as a “cytokine storm.” It causes a systemic inflammatory response and can lead to multi-organ failure. Spirulina has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, effectively limiting these side effects.
Reduces viral load and progression of HIV and hepatitis C**
A review of six clinical studies concluded that the use of spirulina in addition to classical therapy has a beneficial effect on patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Spirulina increases CD4 counts and reduces disease progression. Active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves a combination of three or more antiviral drugs.
Despite its success in prolonging the life of HIV-infected patients, the use of HAART contributes to the development of the metabolic syndrome, increases inflammation, causes the formation of hyperreactive oxygen particles and mitochondrial dysfunction. Spirulina can reduce these effects, thus helping to prevent such side effects.
Prevents and treats influenza***
Influenza is one of the most common respiratory diseases in humans and is a major public health concern. However, the high mutability of influenza viruses hampers the development of vaccines, and strains resistant to existing antiviral drugs have also emerged. Anti-influenza efficacy studies have revealed that Spirulina extract inhibits viral plaque formation, infection and viral replication in a wide range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains.
Spirulina extract has been found to work by blocking the hemagglutination of virus particles. Due to its long history of use, high safe dosage, and broad spectrum of anti-influenza activity, Spirulina extract may serve not only as a viable therapy for the treatment of influenza, but also as a potential prophylactic agent for disease prevention.
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Studies used to prepare this article
