Packed
with nutrients, has an immune-boosting effect
500 mg, 100 Tablet, Code 6551
Standard Retail
$18.95
$8.95
Spirulina, is a
potent source of proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. In
addition to its many benefits Spirulina is also selective COX-2 inhibitor.
From LEF
Magazine: Spirulina boosts body's cancer defenses
Spirulina, a blue-green
algae that grows on lakes and ponds, has been the subject of studies
at North Carolina State University, the University of California, Davis
and other research facilities, which demonstrated an immune-boosting
effect. In a clinical study reported at the Japanese Society for Immunology's
30th Annual Meeting, spirulina extract was found to boost the tumor
fighting ability of interferon gamma and natural killer cells.
Researchers at the Osaka Institute of Public Health in Japan gave volunteers
over forty years of age 50 mL of a spirulina extract and measured the
activity in the blood of interferon gamma and natural killer cells.
For one to two weeks following the participants' ingestion of spirulina,
the activity of these substances was found to increase, and this increased
activity continued for twelve to twenty-four weeks.
At the 59th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association held in
October of 2000, researchers from the Osaka Institute reported that
adding spirulina to a bacterial cell wall product known as BCG-CWS known
to cause tumor shrinkage, caused more tumor regression in implanted
tumors in mice than that caused by the BCG-CWS alone. BCG-CWS has been
used to activate cytotoxic T-cells in lung cancer patients. The coadministration
of spirulina with BCG-CWS caused an 80% regression of tumors, attributable
to the combined enhancement of the activity of interferon gamma, natural
killer cells and cytotoxic T-cells.
February 9, 2001
Each Capsule
Contains:
Spirulina……....500 mg
Spirulina,
the Super-food That Boosts Immunity
The New Straits Times
Yam Cher Seng
August 19, 2003
TOUTED as a super
food, spirulina, the blue-green algae, was once consumed by ancient
Aztecs and more recently by people in the Lake Chad area of Central
Africa. Environmentalists believe that harvesting algae for food may
be the solution to deforestation for agricultural purposes.
Spirulina contains a full spectrum of micronutrients: vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, amino acids, chlorophyll, the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma
linolenic acid) and phytochemicals required for cell repair.
Apart from being an excellent source of antioxidants and phytochemicals,
it contains 200 microgrammes of vitamin B12 for every 100g compared
to the richest source of animal products. This is good news for vegetarians
as vitamin B12 is typically deficient in their diet as most vitamin
B12 sources are only available in animal products. Spirulina has 60
percent of protein compared to 34 per cent in soybeans, 17 per cent
in beef and 12 per cent in eggs.
The cell walls of spirulina are made of proteins and polysaccharides
(complex sugars), instead of tough cellulose as found in plants. The
former allows easy digestion and the effortless assimilation of nutrients.
This makes it a valuable and beneficial supplement for those suffering
from malnutrition, protein deficiency, people with poor appetite such
as children, the elderly and the convalescent.
Research shows that spirulina has the ability to inhibit viruses from
replicating; enhances activity of white blood cells that engulf and
digest harmful foreign materials and the body's production of antibodies.
A joint research by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical
School found that small amounts of spirulina extract reduced the replication
of HIV-1 virus that causes AIDS and in higher concentration (5-10 g/ml)
actually halted reproduction of the virus.
In order for a virus to replicate, it needs to attach to the host's
cell membrane in order to penetrate the cell to utilise its cellular
materials. Scientists believe that spirulina extract strengthens the
cell membrane which prevents the penetration of the virus, causing it
to remain stuck on the cell's wall. The trapped virus eventually gets
eliminated by the body's immune system. This holds great promise for
AIDS patients.
Human and animal studies show spirulina or its extracts can prevent
or inhibit cancers. A recent study at the Osaka Center for Cancer and
Cardiovascular Diseases in Japan indicates that a hot- water extract
of spirulina taken orally increased both the number and effectiveness
of the human body's Natural Killer (NK) cells that seek out cancer cells.
The rich presence of chlorophyll in spirulina also plays a role in immunity.
Chlorophyll is the green colour pigment of plants - referred to as the
"blood of plants" due to its structural similarity to haemoglobin,
the red pigment in red blood cells in the human body.
Research shows that chlorophyll inhibits the growth of bacteria (it
has bacteriostatic action) and fights bacteria that causes fermentation
and food decay in the gut. It has also been shown that chlorophyll combats
bad breath and gum disease, hence it is a common ingredient in mouth
freshener preparations.
Much concern has been raised over the safe consumption of spirulina
as it is grown in water that may be contaminated or affected with wild
species of blue-green algae. Some species of these algae are toxic just
like some mushrooms. Hence it is vital to buy from a reputable company
that grows spirulina under controlled conditions and conducts quality
control tests to assure the algae meet all international food safety
and quality standards.
Look for labels that state spirulina is organically grown with an approved
farm plan which exhibits agricultural sustainability through proper
crop management practices and the exclusion of pesticides or herbicides.
* Yam Cher Seng, a pharmacist, heads the Bio-Life Health Advisory Panel
that organises health talks and the dissemination of natural healthcare
and holistic therapies. For details call 03-7728-7407 (Mon-Fri) or e-mail
healthcare@ biolife.com.my
(C) 2003 The New Straits Times. via ProQuest Information and Learning
Company; All Rights Reserved
Packed
with nutrients, has an immune-boosting effect
