ALL ABOUT PLANTS & HERBS

[Guest]

...loading shoutbox...

[jaypee]

http://spirulina4nutrition.com/

Spirulina: What is this stuff?

There are over forty thousand–yes, someone has actually counted them–types of single-celled microalgae which need only a drop of water and a sunbeam to make them prosper. But among those forty thousand varieties of little water-loving organisms, one species is clearly making the largest nutritional splash.

Weighing in at an impressive 60% protein content, Spirulina is a fresh water alga–actually, a form of bacteria–which knocks both red meat, at 27%, and soy, at 34%, on the ropes in terms of muscle-building potential. And it brings to the ring, along with all that protein, a powerful combination of minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, with a backup punch of all the vitamins to which the first five letters of the alphabet have been assigned. If only Spirulina were bigger; it might have been able to fit all the vitamins in. But a single Spirulina alga measures approximately .0196850394 inches in length.

If Spirulina wanted to get bigger, however, it probably could. How? By eating its relatives. The Chinese add Spirulina to the diets of commercially produced poultry and livestock to increase their growth rates.

Another growth rate which has definitely increased because of Spirulina is that of the Spirulina commercialization industry, which began with annual harvests of around one hundred tons in the 1970s. By the year 2020, according to BioNat.net, worldwide Spirulina production is expected to reach 220,000 tons.

The most avid believers in the health benefits of Spirulina are the Japanese, who both produce and consume more of it than anyone else. Some Japanese researchers claim that Spirulina, because of the high concentration of its nutrients, is useful in helping diabetics control their food cravings and decrease their insulin intake.

The only potential black marks against Spirulina are its expense and the possibility that its high protein, vitamin, and mineral, according to the Hong Kong Dietitian Association, could cause kidney and liver problems. Excessive protein intake can overload the kidneys; too many vitamins and minerals, the liver. Spirulina, if the Hong Kong experts are to be believed, can be too much of a good thing.

And, when France started its research on Spirulina in the 1970s, global scientists were looking at it as the inexpensive answer to the ages-old question of how to feed a protein-starved Third World.

Today commercially produced Spirulina powders and pills sell at health food stores for the equivalent of about $50 per pound, or some ten times what it costs to grow and harvest. The Third World is still waiting.
Spirulina Contains

vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, vitamin K, biotin, pantothenic acid, beta carotene (source of vitamin A), inositol.
(It has been brought to my attention that some have questioned whether Spirulina contains vitamins B12 and D. I have cross checked my original source with this Ask Alice article at the Health Services at Colombia University website. I hope this clears up any confusion.)

calcium, manganese, iron, chromium, phosphorus, molybdenum, iodine, chloride, magnesium, sodium, zinc, potassium, selenium, germanium, copper, boron.

phycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids.

myxoxanthophyll, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, echinenone and other xanthophylls.
gamma linolenic acid, glycolipids, sulfolipids, polysaccharides.

isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, threonine, lysine, tryptophan, methionine, valine, alanine, glycine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, proline, cystine, serine, glutamic acid, tyrosine.

[jaypee]

Spirulina
Overview:

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).

Spirulina -- like any blue-green algae -- can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins. It can also absorb heavy metals from the water where it is grown. For these reasons, it is important to buy spirulina from a trusted brand.

Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and have antiviral and anticancer properties. However, there is no proof that spirulina has these, or any, benefits in people. More research is needed.

Immune Support

A number of animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins, and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer. However, it has not been tested in people. In one clinical trial that involved humans, another type of blue-green algae called chlorella did not boost the immune response to flu vaccine.

Protein Supplement

Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina. Because it is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, spirulina has been used as a nutritional supplement. However, although spirulina contains a certain level of protein, you would need to take very large quantities to see any effect. Other sources of protein, such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, and meat, provide protein in smaller servings.

Allergic Reactions

Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina may protect against allergic reactions by stopping the release of histamines, substances that contribute to allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling. But whether these preliminary studies will help people with allergies is not known.

Antibiotic-related Illnesses

Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria called probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. This can cause diarrhea. In test tubes, spirulina has boosted the growth of L. acidophilus and other probiotics. More research is needed to determine whether spirulina will have the same effect in people.

Infection

Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against herpes, influenza, and HIV. But researchers don' t know whether it would also work in people.

Oral Cancer

In one placebo-controlled study, taking spirulina seemed to reduce a precancerous lesion known as leukoplasia in people who chewed tobacco. Lesions were more likely to go away in the spirulina group than in the placebo group. More research in this area is needed.

Liver Disorders

Preliminary evidence suggests that spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure) in people with chronic hepatitis. Without more research, however, it is impossible to say whether spirulina offers any real benefit.
Dietary Sources:

Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in warm climates and warm alkaline water. It is available dried and freeze-dried.
Available Forms:

Spirulina is available in pill or powder form, or as flakes. Most of the spirulina consumed in the United States is grown in a laboratory. There are many different spirulina species, only some of which are identified on labels of commercially available products. Spirulina maxima (cultivated in Mexico) and Spirulina platensis (cultivated in California) are the most popular.
How to Take It:

Pediatric

Although spirulina has been used in children, researchers don' t know the safe and effective dose for those under 18. Don't give spirulina to a child without talking to your doctor first.

Adult

Ask your health care provider to help you determine the right dose for you. A standard dose is 4 - 6 tablets (500 mg each) per day.
Precautions:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Spirulina appears safe, even at high doses. However, it can be contaminated with other substances that can be toxic. It is important to buy a reputable brand of spirulina.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking spirulina.

People with a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid taking spirulina. People with this rare condition cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Spirulina is rich in all amino acids, including phenylalanine.

If you have an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, you should avoid spirulina. Theoretically, it could stimulate your immune system and make your condition worse.
Possible Interactions:

There are no reports in the scientific literature to suggest that spirulina interacts with any conventional medications. However, it is possible that spirulina might interfere with drugs given to suppress the immune system, including:

    Adalimumab (Humira)
    Azathioprine (Imuran)
    Cyclosporine (Neoral)
    Etanercept (Enbrel)
    Infliximab (Remicade)
    Leflunomide (Arava)
    Methotrexate
    Mycophenolate (CellCept)

Alternative Names:

Arthrospira plantensis; Blue-green algae; Spirulina fusiformis; Spirulina maxima; Spirulina platensis

    Reviewed last on: 6/11/2011
    Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Supporting Research

Blinkova LP, Gorobets OB, Baturo AP. [Biological activity of Spirulina.] Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2001;(2): 114-118.

Chamorro-Cevallos G, Garduno-Siciliano L, Barron BL, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Cruz-Vega DE, Pages N. Chemoprotective effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira) against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenicity in mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(2):567-74.

Deng R, Chow TJ. Hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities of microalgae Spirulina. Cardiovasc Ther. 2010 Aug;28(4):e33-45. Review.

Khan Z, Bhadouria P, Bisen PS. Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2005 Oct;6(5):373-9. Review.

Khan M, Shobha JC, Mohan IK, Rao Naidu MU, Prayag A, Kutala VK. Spirulina attenuates cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. J Appl Toxicol. 2006;26(5):444-51.

Lu HK, Hsieh CC, Hsu JJ, Yang YK, Chou HN. Preventive effects of Spirulina platensis on skeletal muscle damage under exercise-induced oxidative stress. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2006 Sep;98(2):220-6.

Mao TK, Van De Water J, Gershwin ME. Effect of spirulina on the secretion of cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. J Medicinal Food. 2000;3(3):135-139.

Mazo VK, Gmoshinski IV, Zilova IS. Microalgae Spirulina in human nutrition. Vopr Pitan. 2004;73(1):45-53.

Puyfoulhoux G, Rouanet JM, Besancon P, Baroux B, Baccou JC, Caporiccio B. Iron availability from iron-fortified spirulina by an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell culture model. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(3):1625-1629.

Reddy CM, Bhat VB, Kiranmai G, Reddy MN, Reddanna P, Madyastha KM. Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by C-phocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis. Biochem Ciophys Res Commun. 2000;277(3):599-603.

Wang Y, Chang CF, Chou J, Chen HL, Deng X, Harvey BK, Cadet JL, Bickford PC. Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach or spirulina reduces ischemic brain damage. Exp Neurol. 2005;193(1):75-84.


© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.800.492.5538

[jaypee]

Spirulina for Birds

I have used Spirulina as a health tonic since 1998. Lucky our yellow tailed black cockatoo chick was brought up on Spirulina.

In the meantime I have heard from several bird keepers and breeders how good Spirulina is for the birds well being and fertility during breeding. Below is an article about Spirulina and birds.
SPIRULINA: “‘Wonder-Food for Birds

By Ronald H. Henson of Eathrise Farms with thanks to Bird World Magazine Vol. 15, #4, 1993

Bird lovers from Florida to California have been raving over a new food supplement for our feathered friends. Spirulina, (rhymes with ballerina) is a dried microscopic aquatic vegetable, and edible blue-green microalgae that can be up to 72% protein, and incredible 0.5% beta-carotene, and is the world’s richest source of natural vitamin B-12. It puzzles scientists with unidentified factors that have wonderful effects on birds. Their plumage becomes glossy and color intensifies, health improves and fertility goes way up. What should you know about Spirulina?
Attention Breeders

Spirulina works so well for increasing avian fertility that it was once patent protected. Aviaries were able to nearly double production of finches, canaries and hookbills. Now that this patent has expired, Spirulina is available for widespread use with exotic birds and poultry.

Professor Ernest Ross of the University of Hawaii and Warren Dominy of the Oceanic Institute have demonstrated that even tiny amounts caused the fertility of quail to go up to very high levels (96. 1 %), much higher than the quail on a standard breeder diet. Studies are now underway at agricultural universities to determine if it will be practical for use in commercial poultry operations. Breeders of exotic birds find it highly effective.

Scientific tests have discovered that small amounts of Spirulina, even after cooking, greatly enhance health, fertility and color in birds. In other studies it increases metabolic rate, promotes the beneficial types of digestive tract flora, has strong anti-cancer and anti-viral properties, reduces serum cholesterol, protects against kidney damage and has radio protective effects as well.

This broad spectrum of beneficial effects indicates that Spirulina possesses a very stable yet highly effective unidentified substance. The results of feeding trials are often so striking that scientists suspect several substances in this unique food may be responsible. Among these is a natural substance called sulfoglycolipid. Scientists at the national Cancer Institute announced in 1989, that the sulfoglycolipid found in blue-green algae has amazingly strong AIDS-anti-viral properties. They announced that development of sulfoglycolipid from blue-green algae, (like Spirulina) was a matter of top priority for further study and development. It has since been confirmed that many types of blue-green algae have the anti-viral type of sulfoglycolipid.

Spirulina is an especially rich source of anti-viral sulfoglycolipid. Scientists now know that Spirulina extracts can protect hamsters from herpes virus and cancer. Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to develop anti-viral and anti-cancer drugs from Spirulina. American universities are studying Spirulina to determine if it is useful for treating avian viruses such as Newcastles disease. Research currently being conducted will lead to a better understanding of this remarkable food.
Where does it Come From

This blue-green algae is much different from common seaweed. Spirulina is a tiny, freshwater phytoplankton. Under a microscope it looks like loosely coiled springs. In the Great Rift Valley of Africa, Spirulina feeds huge flocks of Lesser Flamingos. The flamingos devour Spirulina growing in the warm shallow alkaline volcanic lake water, filtering it through special bristles in their beaks. The yellow/red hytopigments in Spirulina are responsible for their shiny pink featheration.

Wild Spirulina is not used in industrialized countries. Earthrise Farms, located in the remote southeastern California desert, grows Spirulina under carefully controlled conditions, then filters it from the water. The resulting paste is carefully spray dried into a fine powder. Since it is preserved by flash dehydration the delicate nutrients are not harmed. The product is then tested for purity and shipped worldwide. Not only is it used for human and pet food, NASA is working with it developing techniques for interplanetary travel and immunology companies for use in anti-cancer antibody therapies.
How to Feed

Dehydrated Spirulina is quite stable and has a very long shelf life, it can be stored for years as long as it is kept in a cool, dry, dark place. It comes as a fine dusty, very dark green powder. Feed it to adult birds year round,’ especially during times of stress as when prepanng for a molt and during the breeding season. The suggested serving for adult birds is only 1% or even less of the diet on a dry weight basis. Many people simply keep it in a saltshaker and apply a light dusting on cut fruit and soft food or bake it into combread. Finch breeders mix it into the eggfood or as straight powder in a dish. Some fussy parrots are, at first, put off by the intense color. If you persist in presenting it to them they will finally taste it and find that it has a good flavor and will eat it right up.

Avoid letting moistened Spirulina set out on soft food overnight. It is mostly protein, and like any protein food it can turn rancid if exposed to conditions favoring bacteria. It is never good to mix food or vitamins in the drinking water. Remember also, it is always a good idea to keep food and water dishes spotlessly clean. Handfed baby birds thrive when Spirulina is added to their regular formula at about a 2% by weight ratio. A little goes a long way, so don’t over do it. It is especially good when fed together with avian specific Lactobacillus and Wheat grass powder. Babies appear healthier, seem to be more resistant to sickness, grow heavier and their coloration and feather quality will be excellent. Spirulina is used with outstanding results on all psittacines, canaries and finches.

Commercial breeders are having excellent results using Spirulina. Spirulina exhibits special properties in scientific studies. Those using Spirulina report that feathers become shiny, beaks and skin are smooth and the yellow, red, green and even blue color tones are deepened. Birds are healthier, all naturally, without synthetic vitamins, drugs or chemicals. The benefits of increased fertility and healthier birds has significant economic value in commercial aviaries, yet even pet birds can become even more beautiful and live longer, happier lives when Spirulina is a part of their diet.

[Island Born]

Great info Brod Jaypee. Maganda nga ang mga health benefits ng spirulina. Thumbs up