Spirulina

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

Spirulina is a nontoxic blue-green algae that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.

Spirulina is most often used for

What is spirulina?

Spirulina (Arthrospira) is a non-toxic blue-green microalgae whose name is inspired by its spiral shape. Spirulina naturally thrives in warm, high-salt, alkaline (high pH) lakes. While it was originally believed to be a plant due to its photosynthetic capabilities, spirulina is now recognized as a type of cyanobacteria.[4] For commercial use, spirulina is usually cultivated in controlled environments and subsequently dried and pulverized.[5] There are several species of spirulina, but Arthrospira platensis is the one most frequently used in research and dietary supplements.[6]

Spirulina is often touted as a “superfood” thanks to its impressive nutritional content, which includes proteins, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and various other bioactive compounds like carotenoids, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin. Accordingly, it has been used in a variety of contexts, ranging from undernourished populations to astronauts on space missions.[4][7]

What are spirulina’s main benefits?

In vitro and animal research have suggested far-reaching benefits of spirulina, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-viral, immune-modulating, hypoglycemic (blood-sugar-lowering), and cardioprotective properties.[1] However, only a few of these effects have been observed in human clinical trials.

Clinical trials suggest that people who supplement with spirulina may see small but positive effects on various aspects of their cardiometabolic health, including improved lipid profiles,[1][8] decreased blood pressure (particularly in those with high blood pressure),[9] small reductions in body weight,[10][11] and decreased fasting glucose.[8][12]

Spirulina is often touted as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement. While this certainly is the case in pre-clinical research, human clinical trials have been mixed. Spirulina might increase total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity, but no clear effects on inflammation have been found.[13][14]

What are spirulina’s main drawbacks?

Spirulina is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset (e.g., abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), fatigue, dizziness, headache, and skin irritation (e.g., itching, rash).[15]

There have been several case reports of more severe side effects with spirulina supplementation. These include rhabdomyolysis (a severe type of muscle breakdown),[16] anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction),[17][18] liver toxicity,[19] and the initiation or exacerbation of autoimmune skin conditions.[20][21]

Although this has not been thoroughly investigated, spirulina may inhibit some cytochrome P450 enzymes, namely CYP1A2 and CYP2E1, which could lead to drug interactions.[22]

Manufacturing practices and growth environments can influence the quality and safety of spirulina supplements. First, spirulina can accumulate heavy metals from its environment, raising the concern of contamination.[23] One study that checked 25 brands of spirulina for mercury, nickel, and platinum found that none contained these heavy metals beyond acceptable levels,[24] but choosing a spirulina supplement that is tested for heavy metals should still be a consideration. Second, contamination with other species of cyanobacteria could introduce potentially toxic compounds like microcystins.[4]

How does spirulina work?

Spirulina contains an abundance of bioactive compounds, including pigments, polyphenols, peptides, fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which makes its mechanism of action fairly complicated and still incompletely understood. Phycocyanin, a blue-colored pigment that is structurally similar to bilirubin, is the most abundant protein in spirulina and is suggested to be the major active compound.[25]

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina are the most thoroughly studied and likely arise from a variety of compounds including phycocyanin, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and vitamin E. Spirulina may increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase), prevent lipid peroxidation, reduce NF-κB activity, and inhibit enzymes involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory compounds — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively.[25][14][26]

Spirulina may enhance cardiometabolic health through various mechanisms. It could potentially lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production, thereby inhibiting angiotensin I converting enzyme, and/or simply due to its high potassium content (~18 mg per gram).[9][4] Moreover, spirulina may influence lipid metabolism, reduce the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and carbohydrates, promote cholesterol excretion, increase satiety, and stimulate insulin secretion.[27][28][1][29]

What else is Spirulina known as?
Note that Spirulina is also known as:
  • Arthrospira maxima
  • Arthrospira platensis
  • Arthrospira fusiformis
  • Arthrospira
Spirulina should not be confused with:
Dosage information

Spirulina is usually dosed in the range of 2 to 10 grams daily in whole powder or capsule form. Extracts are sometimes used, but they are less thoroughly studied and do not contain the full array of compounds found in dried spirulina.

Higher doses of spirulina, in the range of 4 to 10 grams daily, appear to be most effective for improving lipid profiles and possibly for reducing fatigue during endurance exercise.[1][2]

A lower dose of 2 grams daily may help reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.[3]

Examine Database: Spirulina
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

Update History
13 days ago

Full FAQ and database update

major

We expanded the existing FAQs to include more information about how spirulina works, its drawbacks, its traditional uses, and its effects on exercise performance/recovery, allergies, and anemia. We also added the most up-to-date meta-analyses to the Examine database. There are no changes in the take-home message of any concepts on this page.

Written By

Reviewed By

Research Breakdown

🚧 Under Renovation 🚧

The information in this section is slated for renovation — it will soon be transformed into a more usable (and readable!) form in the coming months. As such, the text in this section may be out of date and not up to Examine’s current standards for writing style.

References
  1. ^Rahnama I, Arabi SM, Chambari M, Bahrami LS, Hadi V, Mirghazanfari SM, Rizzo M, Hadi S, Sahebkar AThe effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res.(2023-Jul)
  2. ^Calella P, Cerullo G, Di Dio M, Liguori F, Di Onofrio V, Gallè F, Liguori GAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spirulina in exercise and sport: A systematic review.Front Nutr.(2022)
  3. ^Morteza Nourollahian, Bashir Rasoulian, Attaallah Gafari, Majid Anoushiravani, Farahzad Jabari, Mehdi BakhshaeeClinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitisActa Otorhinolaryngol Ital.(2020 Jun)
  4. ^Ahmad AMR, Intikhab A, Zafar S, Farooq U, Shah HBU, Akram S, Abid J, Parveen Z, Iqbal SSpirulina, an FDA-Approved Functional Food: Worth the Hype?Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand).(2023-Jan-31)
  5. ^Gentscheva G, Nikolova K, Panayotova V, Peycheva K, Makedonski L, Slavov P, Radusheva P, Petrova P, Yotkovska IApplication of for Medicinal Purposes and the Food Industry: A Review of the Literature.Life (Basel).(2023-Mar-21)
  6. ^Alberto Finamore, Maura Palmery, Sarra Bensehaila, Ilaria PelusoAntioxidant, Immunomodulating, and Microbial-Modulating Activities of the Sustainable and Ecofriendly SpirulinaOxid Med Cell Longev.(2017)
  7. ^Fais G, Manca A, Bolognesi F, Borselli M, Concas A, Busutti M, Broggi G, Sanna P, Castillo-Aleman YM, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Bencomo-Hernandez AA, Ventura-Carmenate Y, Altea M, Pantaleo A, Gabrielli G, Biglioli F, Cao G, Giannaccare GWide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions.Mar Drugs.(2022-Apr-28)
  8. ^Zahra Hamedifard, Alireza Milajerdi, Željko Reiner, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Fariba Kolahdooz, Zatollah AsemiThe effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPhytother Res.(2019 Oct)
  9. ^Machowiec P, Ręka G, Maksymowicz M, Piecewicz-Szczęsna H, Smoleń AEffect of Supplementation on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients.(2021-Aug-31)
  10. ^Moradi S, Ziaei R, Foshati S, Mohammadi H, Nachvak SM, Rouhani MHEffects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Complement Ther Med.(2019-Dec)
  11. ^Meysam Zarezadeh, Amir Hossein Faghfouri, Nima Radkhah, Elaheh Foroumandi, Masoud Khorshidi, Ahmadreza Rasouli, Mahtab Zarei, Niyaz Mohammadzadeh Honarvar, Nazanin Hazhir Karzar, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi MamaghaniSpirulina supplementation and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res.(2020 Sep 23)
  12. ^Hatami E, Ghalishourani SS, Najafgholizadeh A, Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Clark CCT, Assaroudi M, Salehi-Sahlabadi A, Joukar F, Mansour-Ghanaei FThe effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Diabetes Metab Disord.(2021-Jun)
  13. ^Fatemeh Naeini, Meysam Zarezadeh, Sara Mohiti, Helda Tutunchi, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi Mamaghani, Alireza OstadrahimiSpirulina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsInt J Clin Pract.(2021 Jul 8)
  14. ^Sara Mohiti, Meysam Zarezadeh, Fatemeh Naeini, Helda Tutunchi, Alireza Ostadrahimi, Zohreh Ghoreishi, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi MamaghaniSpirulina supplementation and oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsClin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.(2021 Aug)
  15. ^Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, Chavez ML, Gardiner P, Ko R, Mahady GB, Low Dog T, Sarma ND, Giancaspro GI, Sharaf M, Griffiths JUnited States pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulinaCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr.(2011 Aug)
  16. ^Mazokopakis EE, Karefilakis CM, Tsartsalis AN, Milkas AN, Ganotakis ESAcute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis).Phytomedicine.(2008-Jun)
  17. ^Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, Barre A, Rougé PFirst case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergenAllergy.(2010 Jul)
  18. ^Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann HAnaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets.Food Chem Toxicol.(2014-Dec)
  19. ^Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, Kaito M, Adachi YSpirulina-associated hepatotoxicity.Am J Gastroenterol.(2002-Dec)
  20. ^Kraigher O, Wohl Y, Gat A, Brenner SA mixed immunoblistering disorder exhibiting features of bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus foliaceus associated with Spirulina algae intake.Int J Dermatol.(2008-Jan)
  21. ^Lee AN, Werth VPActivation of autoimmunity following use of immunostimulatory herbal supplements.Arch Dermatol.(2004-Jun)
  22. ^Savranoglu S, Tumer TBInhibitory effects of spirulina platensis on carcinogen-activating cytochrome P450 isozymes and potential for drug interactions.Int J Toxicol.(2013)
  23. ^Galinytė D, Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė G, Karosienė J, Morudov D, Naginienė R, Baranauskienė D, Šulinskienė J, Kudlinskienė I, Savickas A, Savickienė NDetermination of Heavy Metal Content: Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Cyano-Phycocyanin Isolated from the Cyanobacterial Biomass.Plants (Basel).(2023-Sep-01)
  24. ^Al-Dhabi NAHeavy metal analysis in commercial Spirulina products for human consumptionSaudi J Biol Sci.(2013 Oct)
  25. ^Sokary S, Bawadi H, Zakaria ZZ, Al-Asmakh MThe Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Narrative Review.J Diet Suppl.(2024-Jan-22)
  26. ^Calella P, Di Dio M, Cerullo G, Di Onofrio V, Gallé F, Liguori GAntioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of Spirulina in disease conditions: a systematic review.Int J Food Sci Nutr.(2022-Dec)
  27. ^Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary SEffect of Microalgae Arthrospira on Biomarkers of Glycemic Control and Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Curr Probl Cardiol.(2022-Oct)
  28. ^Ramos-Romero S, Torrella JR, Pagès T, Viscor G, Torres JLEdible Microalgae and Their Bioactive Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Alterations.Nutrients.(2021-Feb-09)
  29. ^Patricia Victoria Torres-Durán, Aldo Ferreira-Hermosillo, Arnulfo Ramos-Jiménez, Rosa Patricia Hernández-Torres, Marco Antonio Juárez-OropezaEffect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary reportJ Med Food.(2012 Aug)
  30. ^Ciferri OSpirulina, the edible microorganismMicrobiol Rev.(1983 Dec)
  31. ^Abdulqader, G. et alHarvest of Arthrospira platensis from Lake Kossorom (Chad) and its household usage among the KanembuJournal of Applied Phycology.(Oct 2000)
  32. ^Raczyk M, Polanowska K, Kruszewski B, Grygier A, Michałowska DEffect of Spirulina ( Supplementation on Physical and Chemical Properties of Semolina () Based Fresh Pasta.Molecules.(2022-Jan-06)
  33. ^Watanabe F, Katsura H, Takenaka S, Fujita T, Abe K, Tamura Y, Nakatsuka T, Nakano YPseudovitamin B(12) is the predominant cobamide of an algal health food, spirulina tabletsJ Agric Food Chem.(1999 Nov)
  34. ^Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals; USA: National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; last updated 15 Dec 2023; cited February 2024(2023 Dec)
  35. ^Tom Gurney, Owen SpendiffSpirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake in arm cycling exerciseEur J Appl Physiol.(2020 Dec)
  36. ^Gurney T, Brouner J, Spendiff OTwenty-one days of spirulina supplementation lowers heart rate during submaximal cycling and augments power output during repeated sprints in trained cyclists.Appl Physiol Nutr Metab.(2021-Aug-16)
  37. ^Hsueh-Kuan Lu, Chin-Cheng Hsieh, Jen-Jung Hsu, Yuh-Kuan Yang, Hong-Nong ChouPreventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stressEur J Appl Physiol.(2006 Sep)
  38. ^Gurney T, Spendiff OAlgae Supplementation for Exercise Performance: Current Perspectives and Future Directions for Spirulina and Chlorella.Front Nutr.(2022)
  39. ^Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal CThe effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitisEur Arch Otorhinolaryngol.(2008 Oct)
  40. ^Karkos PD, Leong SC, Arya AK, Papouliakos SM, Apostolidou MT, Issing WJ'Complementary ENT': a systematic review of commonly used supplements.J Laryngol Otol.(2007-Aug)
  41. ^T K Mao, J Van de Water, M E GershwinEffects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patientsJ Med Food.(Spring 2005)
  42. ^Yang HN, Lee EH, Kim HMSpirulina platensis inhibits anaphylactic reaction.Life Sci.(1997)
  43. ^Kim HM, Lee EH, Cho HH, Moon YHInhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by spirulina.Biochem Pharmacol.(1998-Apr-01)
  44. ^Silva MROBD, M da Silva G, Silva ALFD, Lima LRA, Bezerra RP, Marques DAVBioactive Compounds of spp. (Spirulina) with Potential Anticancer Activities: A Systematic Review.ACS Chem Biol.(2021-Nov-19)
  45. ^Nielsen CH, Balachandran P, Christensen O, Pugh ND, Tamta H, Sufka KJ, Wu X, Walsted A, Schjørring-Thyssen M, Enevold C, Pasco DSEnhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteinsPlanta Med.(2010 Nov)
  46. ^Akao Y, Ebihara T, Masuda H, Saeki Y, Akazawa T, Hazeki K, Hazeki O, Matsumoto M, Seya TEnhancement of antitumor natural killer cell activation by orally administered Spirulina extract in mice.Cancer Sci.(2009-Aug)
  47. ^Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, Varghese C, Somanathan T, Amma BP, Amma NS, Nair MKEvaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformisNutr Cancer.(1995)
  48. ^Patil S, Al-Zarea BK, Maheshwari S, Sahu RComparative evaluation of natural antioxidants spirulina and aloe vera for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.J Oral Biol Craniofac Res.(2015)
  49. ^Prathima Shetty, Prashanth Shenai, Laxmikanth Chatra, Prasanna Kumar RaoEfficacy of spirulina as an antioxidant adjuvant to corticosteroid injection in management of oral submucous fibrosisIndian J Dent Res.(2013 May-Jun)
  50. ^Mulk BS, Deshpande P, Velpula N, Chappidi V, Chintamaneni RL, Goyal SSpirulina and pentoxyfilline - a novel approach for treatment of oral submucous fibrosis.J Clin Diagn Res.(2013-Dec)
  51. ^Moradi S, Foshati S, Poorbaferani F, Talebi S, Bagheri R, Amirian P, Parvizi F, Nordvall M, Wong A, Zobeiri MThe effects of spirulina supplementation on serum iron and ferritin, anemia parameters, and fecal occult blood in adults with ulcerative colitis: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.Clin Nutr ESPEN.(2023-Oct)
  52. ^Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, German B, Yang CY, Kenny TP, Cysewski GR, Gershwin METhe effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizensCell Mol Immunol.(2011 May)
  53. ^Othoo DA, Ochola S, Kuria E, Kimiywe JImpact of Spirulina corn soy blend on Iron deficient children aged 6-23 months in Ndhiwa Sub-County Kenya: a randomized controlled trial.BMC Nutr.(2021-Nov-09)
  54. ^Hubert Barennes, Laetitia Houdart, Caroline de Courville, Florent BarennesSpirulina as a daily nutritional supplement of young pre-school Cambodian children of deprived settings: a single-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over trialBMC Pediatr.(2022 Dec 7)
  55. ^Liu Q, Huang Y, Zhang R, Cai T, Cai YMedical Application of Spirulina platensis Derived C-PhycocyaninEvid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2016)
  56. ^Jarouliya U, Zacharia JA, Kumar P, Bisen PS, Prasad GBAlleviation of metabolic abnormalities induced by excessive fructose administration in Wistar rats by Spirulina maxima.Indian J Med Res.(2012-Mar)
  57. ^Fujimoto M, Tsuneyama K, Fujimoto T, Selmi C, Gershwin ME, Shimada YSpirulina improves non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, visceral fat macrophage aggregation, and serum leptin in a mouse model of metabolic syndromeDig Liver Dis.(2012 Sep)
  58. ^Blé-Castillo JL, Rodríguez-Hernández A, Miranda-Zamora R, Juárez-Oropeza MA, Díaz-Zagoya JCArthrospira maxima prevents the acute fatty liver induced by the administration of simvastatin, ethanol and a hypercholesterolemic diet to mice.Life Sci.(2002-Apr-19)
  59. ^Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Torres-Duran PV, Juarez-Oropeza MAHepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case seriesJ Med Case Rep.(2010 Apr 7)
  60. ^Elias E Mazokopakis, Maria G Papadomanolaki, Andreas A Fousteris, Dimitrios A Kotsiris, Ioannis M Lampadakis, Emmanuel S GanotakisThe hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina ( Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective pilot studyAnn Gastroenterol.(2014)
Examine Database References
  1. Interleukin 6 - Szulinska M, Gibas-Dorna M, Miller-Kasprzak E, Suliburska J, Miczke A, Walczak-Gałezewska M, Stelmach-Mardas M, Walkowiak J, Bogdanski PSpirulina maxima improves insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and total antioxidant status in obese patients with well-treated hypertension: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studyEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci.(2017 May)
  2. Interleukin 6 - Park HJ, Lee YJ, Ryu HK, Kim MH, Chung HW, Kim WYA randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly KoreansAnn Nutr Metab.(2008)
  3. Total cholesterol - Mazokopakis EE, Starakis IK, Papadomanolaki MG, Mavroeidi NG, Ganotakis ESThe hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population: a prospective studyJ Sci Food Agric.(2013 Jun 10)
  4. Total cholesterol - Patricia V Torres-Duran, Aldo Ferreira-Hermosillo, Marco A Juarez-OropezaAntihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of Mexican population: a preliminary reportLipids Health Dis.(2007 Nov 26)
  5. Total cholesterol - R Samuels, U V Mani, U M Iyer, U S NayakHypocholesterolemic effect of spirulina in patients with hyperlipidemic nephrotic syndromeJ Med Food.(Summer 2002)
  6. Interleukin 6 - Hee Jung Park, Hyun Sook LeeMonocyte chemoattractant protein-1 polymorphism interaction with spirulina immunomodulatory effects in healthy Korean elderly: A 16 week, double-blind randomized clinical trialNutr Res Pract.(2017 Aug)
  7. Treg Cells - Artur Juszkiewicz, Piotr Basta, Elżbieta Petriczko, Bogusław Machaliński, Jerzy Trzeciak, Karolina Łuczkowska, Anna Skarpańska-StejnbornAn attempt to induce an immunomodulatory effect in rowers with spirulina extractJ Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2018 Feb 20)
  8. Interleukin 4 - T K Mao, J Van de Water, M E GershwinEffects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patientsJ Med Food.(Spring 2005)
  9. White Blood Cell Count - Selmi C, Leung PS, Fischer L, German B, Yang CY, Kenny TP, Cysewski GR, Gershwin METhe effects of Spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizensCell Mol Immunol.(2011 May)
  10. Natural Killer Cell Activity - Nielsen CH, Balachandran P, Christensen O, Pugh ND, Tamta H, Sufka KJ, Wu X, Walsted A, Schjørring-Thyssen M, Enevold C, Pasco DSEnhancement of natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects by Immulina®, a Spirulina extract enriched for Braun-type lipoproteinsPlanta Med.(2010 Nov)
  11. Interleukin 6 - Sara Mohiti, Meysam Zarezadeh, Fatemeh Naeini, Helda Tutunchi, Alireza Ostadrahimi, Zohreh Ghoreishi, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi MamaghaniSpirulina supplementation and oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsClin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.(2021 Aug)
  12. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) - Radhey Shyam, Som N Singh, Praveen Vats, Vijay K Singh, Rajeev Bajaj, Shashi B Singh, Pratul K BanerjeeWheat grass supplementation decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects: a comparative study with spirulinaJ Altern Complement Med.(2007 Oct)
  13. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) - Hee-Jung Park, Hyun-Sook LeeThe influence of obesity on the effects of spirulina supplementation in the human metabolic response of Korean elderlyNutr Res Pract.(2016 Aug)
  14. Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile - Shariat A, Farhangi M, Zeinalian RSpirulina platensis supplementation, macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), oxidative stress markers and anthropometric features in obese individuals: A randomized controlled trialJ Herb Med.()
  15. Triglycerides - Patricia Victoria Torres-Durán, Aldo Ferreira-Hermosillo, Arnulfo Ramos-Jiménez, Rosa Patricia Hernández-Torres, Marco Antonio Juárez-OropezaEffect of Spirulina maxima on postprandial lipemia in young runners: a preliminary reportJ Med Food.(2012 Aug)
  16. Fat Oxidation - Kalafati M, Jamurtas AZ, Nikolaidis MG, Paschalis V, Theodorou AA, Sakellariou GK, Koutedakis Y, Kouretas DErgogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humansMed Sci Sports Exerc.(2010 Jan)
  17. Glycemic Control - Marcel AK, Ekali LG, Eugene S, Arnold OE, Sandrine ED, von der Weid D, Gbaguidi E, Ngogang J, Mbanya JCThe effect of Spirulina platensis versus soybean on insulin resistance in HIV-infected patients: a randomized pilot studyNutrients.(2011 Jul)
  18. Allergy Symptoms - Morteza Nourollahian, Bashir Rasoulian, Attaallah Gafari, Majid Anoushiravani, Farahzad Jabari, Mehdi BakhshaeeClinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitisActa Otorhinolaryngol Ital.(2020 Jun)
  19. Allergy Symptoms - Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal CThe effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitisEur Arch Otorhinolaryngol.(2008 Oct)
  20. Arterial Stiffness - Miczke A, Szulińska M, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, Kręgielska-Narożna M, Suliburska J, Walkowiak J, Bogdański PEffects of spirulina consumption on body weight, blood pressure, and endothelial function in overweight hypertensive Caucasians: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci.(2016)
  21. Blood Pressure - Juárez-Oropeza MA, Mascher D, Torres-Durán PV, Farias JM, Paredes-Carbajal MCEffects of dietary Spirulina on vascular reactivityJ Med Food.(2009 Feb)
  22. Blood Pressure - Jesús Martínez-Sámano, Adriana Torres-Montes de Oca, Oscar Ivan Luqueño-Bocardo, Patricia V Torres-Durán, Marco A Juárez-OropezaSpirulina maxima Decreases Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Patients with Systemic Arterial Hypertension: Results from Exploratory Controlled Clinical TrialMar Drugs.(2018 Dec 8)
  23. Blood Pressure - Machowiec P, Ręka G, Maksymowicz M, Piecewicz-Szczęsna H, Smoleń AEffect of Supplementation on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients.(2021-Aug-31)
  24. Weight - Meysam Zarezadeh, Amir Hossein Faghfouri, Nima Radkhah, Elaheh Foroumandi, Masoud Khorshidi, Ahmadreza Rasouli, Mahtab Zarei, Niyaz Mohammadzadeh Honarvar, Nazanin Hazhir Karzar, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi MamaghaniSpirulina supplementation and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsPhytother Res.(2020 Sep 23)
  25. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) - Fatemeh Naeini, Meysam Zarezadeh, Sara Mohiti, Helda Tutunchi, Mehrangiz Ebrahimi Mamaghani, Alireza OstadrahimiSpirulina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trialsInt J Clin Pract.(2021 Jul 8)
  26. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Fateme Golestani, Mehdi Mogharnasi, Mahboube Erfani-Far, Seyed Hossein Abtahi-EivariThe effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trialJ Res Med Sci.(2021 Jan 28)
  27. Body Fat - Moradi S, Ziaei R, Foshati S, Mohammadi H, Nachvak SM, Rouhani MHEffects of Spirulina supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Complement Ther Med.(2019-Dec)
  28. Oxygenation Cost of Exercise - Tom Gurney, Owen SpendiffSpirulina supplementation improves oxygen uptake in arm cycling exerciseEur J Appl Physiol.(2020 Dec)
  29. Malondialdehyde (MDA) - Hsueh-Kuan Lu, Chin-Cheng Hsieh, Jen-Jung Hsu, Yuh-Kuan Yang, Hong-Nong ChouPreventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stressEur J Appl Physiol.(2006 Sep)
  30. Muscle Soreness - Aggelos Pappas, Athanasios Tsiokanos, Ioannis G Fatouros, Athanasios Poulios, Dimitris Kouretas, Nikos Goutzourelas, Giannis Giakas, Athanasios Z JamurtasThe Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Redox Status and Performance Following a Muscle Damaging ProtocolInt J Mol Sci.(2021 Mar 30)
  31. Heart Rate - Marco Antonio Hernández-Lepe, José Alberto López-Díaz, Marco Antonio Juárez-Oropeza, Rosa Patricia Hernández-Torres, Abraham Wall-Medrano, Arnulfo Ramos-JiménezEffect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program on the Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight or Obese Subjects: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled TrialMar Drugs.(2018 Oct 1)
  32. Aerobic Exercise Metrics - Morgan Johnson, Lauren Hassinger, Joshua Davis, Steven T Devor, Robert A DiSilvestroA randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study of spirulina supplementation on indices of mental and physical fatigue in menInt J Food Sci Nutr.(2016)
  33. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Torres-Duran PV, Juarez-Oropeza MAHepatoprotective effects of Spirulina maxima in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case seriesJ Med Case Rep.(2010 Apr 7)
  34. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Elias E Mazokopakis, Maria G Papadomanolaki, Andreas A Fousteris, Dimitrios A Kotsiris, Ioannis M Lampadakis, Emmanuel S GanotakisThe hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina ( Arthrospira platensis) supplementation in a Cretan population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective pilot studyAnn Gastroenterol.(2014)
  35. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Rahnama I, Arabi SM, Chambari M, Bahrami LS, Hadi V, Mirghazanfari SM, Rizzo M, Hadi S, Sahebkar AThe effect of Spirulina supplementation on lipid profile: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res.(2023-Jul)
  36. HbA1c - Lee EH, Park JE, Choi YJ, Huh KB, Kim WYA randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patientsNutr Res Pract.(2008 Winter)
  37. HbA1c - Parikh P, Mani U, Iyer URole of Spirulina in the Control of Glycemia and Lipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes MellitusJ Med Food.(2001 Winter)
  38. HbA1c - Hatami E, Ghalishourani SS, Najafgholizadeh A, Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Clark CCT, Assaroudi M, Salehi-Sahlabadi A, Joukar F, Mansour-Ghanaei FThe effect of spirulina on type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Diabetes Metab Disord.(2021-Jun)
  39. IGF-1 - Reza Bagheri, Raoof Negaresh, Mohamad S Motevalli, Alexei Wong, Damoon Ashtary-Larky, Mehdi Kargarfard, Amir RashidlamirSpirulina supplementation during gradual weight loss in competitive wrestlersBr J Nutr.(2021 Mar 15)
  40. Appetite - Reyhaneh Yousefi, Azadeh Mottaghi, Atoosa SaidpourSpirulina platensis effectively ameliorates anthropometric measurements and obesity-related metabolic disorders in obese or overweight healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trialComplement Ther Med.(2018 Oct)
  41. Depression Symptoms - Sajjad Moradi, Mehdi Zobeiri, Awat Feizi, Cain C T Clark, Mohammad Hassan EntezariThe effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trialInt J Clin Pract.(2021 Jun 9)
  42. Hemoglobin - Ge Y, Kang Y, Dong L, Liu L, An GThe efficacy of dietary Spirulina as an adjunct to chemotherapy to improve immune function and reduce myelosuppression in patients with malignant tumorsTransl Cancer Res.()
  43. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Zahra Hamedifard, Alireza Milajerdi, Željko Reiner, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Fariba Kolahdooz, Zatollah AsemiThe effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsPhytother Res.(2019 Oct)
  44. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Marco Antonio Hernández-Lepe, Abraham Wall-Medrano, José Alberto López-Díaz, Marco Antonio Juárez-Oropeza, Rosa Patricia Hernández-Torres, Arnulfo Ramos-JiménezHypolipidemic Effect of Arthrospira ( Spirulina) maxima Supplementation and a Systematic Physical Exercise Program in Overweight and Obese Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and Crossover Controlled TrialMar Drugs.(2019 May 7)
  45. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Reihaneh Zeinalian, Mahdieh Abbasalizad Farhangi, Atefeh Shariat, Maryam Saghafi-AslThe effects of Spirulina Platensis on anthropometric indices, appetite, lipid profile and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in obese individuals: a randomized double blinded placebo controlled trialBMC Complement Altern Med.(2017 Apr 21)
  46. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - José J van den Driessche, Jogchum Plat, Maurice C J M Konings, Ronald P MensinkEffects of spirulina and wakame consumption on intestinal cholesterol absorption and serum lipid concentrations in non-hypercholesterolemic adult men and womenEur J Nutr.(2020 Aug)
  47. Power Output - Mehdi Chaouachi, Sandrine Gautier, Yoann Carnot, Nicolas Bideau, Pierrick Guillemot, Yann Moison, Tom Collin, Sophie Vincent, Carole GroussardSpirulina platensis Provides a Small Advantage in Vertical Jump and Sprint Performance But Does Not Improve Elite Rugby Players' Body CompositionJ Diet Suppl.(2020 Oct 29)
  48. Bilirubin - Gitte S Jensen, Cassandra Drapeau, Miki Lenninger, Kathleen F BensonClinical Safety of a High Dose of Phycocyanin-Enriched Aqueous Extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study with a Focus on Anticoagulant Activity and Platelet ActivationJ Med Food.(2016 Jul)
  49. Sperm Quality - Roya Modarresi, Alireza Aminsharifi, Farzaneh ForoughiniaImpact of Spirulina Supplementation on Semen Parameters in Patients with Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Pilot Randomized TrialUrol J.(2019 Feb 21)
  50. Oral Cancer Symptoms - Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, Varghese C, Somanathan T, Amma BP, Amma NS, Nair MKEvaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformisNutr Cancer.(1995)
  51. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate - Labhe R, Mani U, Mishra M, Bhattacharya JThe Effect of Spirulina in the Treatment of Bronchial AsthmaJ Diet Suppl.()
  52. HVC Viral Load - Yakoot M, Salem ASpirulina platensis versus silymarin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. A pilot randomized, comparative clinical trialBMC Gastroenterol.(2012 Apr 12)
  53. Fatigue Symptoms - Baicus C, Baicus ASpirulina did not ameliorate idiopathic chronic fatigue in four N-of-1 randomized controlled trialsPhytother Res.(2007 Jun)
  54. Arsenic Poisoning Signs and Symptoms - Misbahuddin M, Islam AZ, Khandker S, Ifthaker-Al-Mahmud, Islam N, AnjumanaraEfficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: a randomized placebo-controlled studyClin Toxicol (Phila).(2006)