Spirulina shown to prevent and treat cancers while boosting immune system functi

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Thursday, June 30, 2005

 

Spirulina shown to prevent and treat cancers while boosting immune

system function

 

Nature can provide you with valuable weapons against cancer, but like

all things, it's up to you to use them. Although the Japanese have

known about and used spirulina for medicinal purposes for years, this

form of microalgae is still not " mainstream " in American diets.

Spirulina natively grows in alkaline, warm-water lakes. Demand for

this whole food has sparked the cultivation of spirulina for

commercial use in specially designed algae farms. As a result of this

new distribution, you can buy spirulina supplements in your local

health food store. Western medicine is finally taking note of

spirulina's anti-cancer benefits, and you owe it to yourself to do the

same.

 

Potent cancer-fighting phytonutrients

Spirulina's blue-green color is more than a pretty facade; it is also

the source of much of its cancer-prevention abilities. In Healing with

Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, " Important to note in the area of

prevention, spirulina is richly supplied with the blue pigment

phycocyanin, a biliprotein which has been shown to inhibit

cancer-colony formation. "

 

Like tree leaves, spirulina also obtains its color from chlorophyll.

According to Alan Keith Tillotson's " One Earth Herbal Sourcebook, " the

high levels of chlorophyll in spirulina may explain its ability to

stop cancer colonies from forming. As Tillotson writes, " Foods and

herbs that contain high levels of chlorophyll show pharmacological

evidence of cancer prevention, perhaps because pigments in green

vegetables (and algae) … bind with and thus stimulate excretion of

cancer-causing chemicals. " If cancer cells are stopped before they can

form colonies, your body's naturally occurring cancer cells won't be

able to run amok and develop into symptomatic cancer.

 

If you're not familiar with the link between cancer and immune system

function, you may have been a little confused by the last point. You

might be thinking, " Wait a minute. The reason why I don't have cancer

cells in me is because I've never been diagnosed with cancer. " The

truth is, however, we all have cancer cells within us. Cancer cells

develop within our bodies all the time, but our immune systems

normally fight them before they develop into the disease we know as

cancer. In other words, if you are diagnosed as " having cancer, " that

means only that your immune system didn't kill your body's

naturally-occurring cancer cells the way it was designed to. If you'd

like to read more about this phenomenon, you can find many articles

about it on News Target's cancer page.

 

Boosting immune system function

This immune system / cancer link explains why spirulina effectively

prevents cancer. Spirulina is best known as an immune booster, and

this property has medicinal implications far beyond cancer prevention.

In A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies, Mark Stengler, ND, writes,

" Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar anti-immune

components of the immune system that can help fight cancer cells. "

Furthermore, these spirulina-stimulated killer cells can fight

illnesses other than cancer, ranging from the common cold to HIV.

 

Scientists have been exploring spirulina's ability to treat cancer,

although most of the research in this area has been exclusively

related to oral cancer. Animal studies repeatedly show that spirulina

hinders the growth of oral cancer. Moreover, Indian scientists

conducted the first human study of spirulina-based cancer treatment in

1995. " [These scientists] reported a complete regression of

pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45 percent of subjects who were given

extracts of spirulina for 12 months, " wrote Earl Mindell, RPh, PhD, in

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies.

 

Consider adding spirulina to your diet, especially if your current

diet contains foods high in animal protein, such as meat and cheese.

In Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, " The special form

of protein in spirulina benefits those with problems resulting from

excessive animal protein, which does not assimilate well and further

burdens the body with waste products. " If you already have cancer,

making a few diet modifications, such as adding spirulina and

restricting meat and cheese, can make all the difference in your

recovery, according to Patrick Quillin's Beating Cancer with Nutrition

and Joseph B. Marion's Anti-Aging Manual. This difference can be the

deciding factor between life and death.

 

[Ed. Note: The top source of U.S.-grown spirulina remains Cyanotech,

which grows spirulina in aquaculture farms on the coast of Kona,

Hawaii, using pristine deep ocean seawater.]

 

The experts speak on spirulina and cancer:

 

More than 100 published scientific references help support the case

for the health benefits of spirulina. Some studies demonstrate that

spirulina seems to possess anticancer effects and antiviral

properties. Also, animal studies show that it is a powerful tonic for

the immune system.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 427

 

A study reported in Nutrition (see related ebook on nutrition) and

Cancer (1995) that was conducted among tobacco chewers in India

reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45

percent of subjects who were given extracts of spirulina for twelve

months. This was the first human study using spirulina as a cancer

therapy, and undoubtedly, more studies will follow.

Earl Mindells Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

 

The unsaturated fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and its

associated prostaglandin PGEi have been researched extensively in

recent years, notably in the area of immunity. Most people are

deficient in GLA, but the wealth of GLA applications (listed earlier

in the Oils and Fats chapter) is economically obtained by using

spirulina, one of the richest sources.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 193

 

Spirulina's pure protein, which arrives within the context of massive

amounts of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA, and other

nutrients, is especially helpful to those who are overweight,

diabetic, hypoglycemic, or suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other

degenerative diseases.

Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 164

 

Spirulina and its extracts have shown to have anticancer activity in

animal studies. Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar

anti-immune components of the immune system that can help fight cancer

cells. Laboratory studies also show that spirulina polysaccharides can

work to repair genetic material that has been damaged from toxins or

from radiation.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 428

 

Spirulina is a blue-green alga found naturally in alkaline, warm-water

lakes. It is cultivated for commercial use in specially designed algae

farms. Spirulina contains concentrations of nutrients unlike any other

single grain, herb, or plant. It has the essential fatty acids

gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids; is

virtually the only vegetarian source of vitamin B12, which is (needed

for healthy red blood cells; and contains significant amounts of iron,

protein (60 to 70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids

RNA and DNA, and chlorophyll. Spirulina is a naturally digestible food

that helps to protect the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol

levels, and boost the absorption of necessary minerals. Taking

spirulina in supplement form is beneficial while fasting, as it

supplies the nutrients needed to cleanse and heal, while also curbing

the appetite. If you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), you may

benefit from using this food supplement.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 33

 

Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in beta-carotene and other

carotenoids. In research conducted by biologist Padmanabhan Nair of

the USDA-ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, a

1-gram spirulina capsule was given daily for a year to 44 tobacco and

betel nut chewers in India who had developed precancerous lesions in

the mouth (the condition is prevalent in southwestern India). Complete

regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) subjects taking

the supplement and in only 3 of 43 (7%) taking a placebo (inactive

agent). Within 1 year of stopping spirulina, 9 of 20 (45%) complete

responders developed recurrent lesions. spirulina was not associated

with toxicity.

Reducing Cancer Risk by Richard Harkness Pharm FASCP, page 131

 

An Oregon State University study in which laboratory animals were

exposed to a potent cancer-causing substance found that animals given

a chlorophyll supplement prior to exposure developed far fewer tumors

than animals who were not given the supplement. The researchers

believe that chlorophyll may reduce the risk of developing skin,

stomach, colon, and liver cancers. Take a chlorophyll or sea-greens

supplement, such as spirulina and blue-green algae, as directed on the

product label.

Smart Medicine For Healthier Living by Janet Zand LAc OMD Allan N

Spreen MD CNC James B LaValle RPh ND, page 164

 

Spirulina \spir-u-'le-n3\ Any cyanobacteria in the genus spirulina. A

traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is an

exceptionally rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and one

of the few nonanimal sources of vitamin B12. It is now being widely

studied for its possible anticancer properties.

Britannica Encyclopedia Volume Two, page 1761

 

spirulina—The blue-green microalgae spirulina sold in natural food

stores in America, have been found to be a rich natural source of

proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. Experimental studies

in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of spirulina

algae on oral cancers.

Earl Mindells Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

 

Some micro-algae have very favorable nutritional profiles for cancer

and immune therapies. spirulina, chlorella, and wild blue-green

(Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) provide cellular protection with

exceptional amounts of beta carotene (provitamin A) and chlorophyll;

dunaliella is the highest known natural source of beta carotene.

Chlorella, the alga to emphasize in those with the greatest

deficiency, stimulates immunity in the treatment of all degenerative

diseases by means of the " Chlorella Growth Factor " (CGF). Spirulina is

rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties. Spirulina

is also the highest plant source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a

fatty acid which strengthens immunity and inhibits excessive cell

division. Wild blue-green is good for drying moisture from tissues

which support viral, bacterial, and fungal growths. Either of these

bitter micro-algae often work well with chlorella or spirulina. (See

" Micro-Algae Dosage " and " General Guidelines, " pages 197 and 202, for

help in selecting the appropriate micro-algae.)

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 378 Phycotene complex

of Beta-Carotene extracted from spirulina and Dunaliella algaes (in

Carotene 7 from Professional Metabolics, and SuperBeta-Carotene from

Source Naturals) using 15 other natural Carotenes, vegetable pigments,

and other micronutrients for synergistic effect. Beta-Carotene

increases Natural Killer cells; detoxifies certain chemicals, counters

damage from chemical stress andradiation; Beta-Carotene given with

radiation therapy rid tumors in animals. Apollution protector,

quenches damaging singlet oxygen, neutralizes free radicals, protects

from carcinogenic exposure in polluted air causing the most common U.

S. and European male malignancy; protects from the vascular

constricting effect of toluene diamine toxic compound TDA; disease

fighter slows cancerous chemicals like DMBA, PCB, and Nitrogen Dioxide

in brownish smog; helps alcoholism. Prevents kidney, bladder, and

gallstones; cystitis, albuminuria(l capsule daily), and maintains

alkalinity.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 50

 

....carotenoids (from spirulina and Dunaliella algae) plus vitamin E

and canthaxanthin were injected in animal tumors, with the result

being complete regression as mediated by an increase in Tumor Necrosis

Factor (TNF) in macrophages in the tumor region33 ^ in 20 patients

with mouth cancer who were given high doses of radiation and chemo,

beta-carotene provided significant protection against mouth sores

(oral mucositis) induced by medical therapy, although there was no

significant difference in survival rates in animals.

Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, page 159

 

Leukoplakia (an often precancerous condition marked by white thickened

patches on the mucous membranes of the cheeks, gums, or tongue) is

responsive to spirulina, a source of proteins, carotenoids, and other

micronutrients (Sankaranarayanan et al. 1995). An inverse relationship

between beta-carotene and thyroid carcinoma was observed in both

papillary and follicular carcinomas (D'Avanzo et al. 1997). A high

dietary intake of beta-carotene appears a protective (though modest)

factor for the development of ovarian cancer (Huncharek et al. 2001).

Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 220

 

The special form of protein in spirulina benefits those with problems

resulting from excessive animal protein, which does not assimilate

well and further burdens the body with waste products. Thus, people

who have eaten too many animal products and refined foods—typically

those who are overweight, diabetic, hypo-glycemic, cancerous,

arthritic, or suffering from similar degenerations—often benefit from

the relatively pure quality of the protein in spirulina. Of course,

spirulina protein is in the context of massive amounts of

beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty acid GLA, and other nutrients.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 192

 

Important to note in the area of prevention, spirulina is richly

supplied with the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein which has

been shown to inhibit cancer-colony formation. Predominant blue

pigmentation in food is rare. The blue color tends to promote

astringency, a drawing together. The chemical reality of spirulina's

blue color is demonstrated by its effect in the brain. Here

phycocyanin helps draw together amino acids for neurotransmitter

formation, which increases mental capacity.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 192

 

Similarly, the nucleic acids and beta-carotene in micro-algae are

effective for retarding aging and fortifying immunity. As discussed

earlier, those who are deficient and/or cold will usually do better

taking spirulina or chlorella and using cereal grass carefully.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 206

 

The liberal use of spirulina and other chlorophyll foods supplies the

liver with immune-enhancing essential fatty acids—particularly the

omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) variety—that it may have been

lacking since birth. Introducing these foods into the diet of those

with essential-fatty-acid deficiency, regardless of the person's age,

encourages more complete liver function.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 290

 

Spirulina contains the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein that

has been shown to inhibit cancer colony formation.128

Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 164

 

spirulina activates many of the different immune cells, including

macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. It also

activates the organs involved with immune function such as the spleen,

liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, and thymus gland.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 427

 

It may also help people who have mouth cancer. In one study, tobacco

chewers who had a type of mouth disease called oral leukoplakia were

given 1 gram a day of spirulina for one year. Nearly half of those who

took the supplement showed marked improvement.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 428

 

As mentioned, spirulina stimulates many components of the immune

system. Special extracts of spirulina have also shown potent antiviral

activity. One type of spirulina known as spirulina platensis was shown

to inhibit the HIV virus (HIV-1) in a test-tube study.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 429

 

" .. In one study, tobacco chewers who had a type of mouth disease

called oral leukoplakia were given 1 gram a day of spirulina for one

year. " Babu M et al., Evaluation of chemopre-vention of orail cancer

with spirulina. Nutrition and Cancer 1995; 24(2):197-202.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 524

 

Though seaweed is just starting to enter the American diet, the

Japanese have used this vitamin- and mineral-rich sea vegetable for

years. Not only has seaweed been shown to reduce the risk of cancer,

help prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure, but Japanese

scientists have discovered that it can also help detoxify the blood

and maintain energy levels. How? Recent Japanese research on a kind of

seaweed called spirulina indicated that it helps regulate blood sugar

levels. By taking spirulina, people are able to maintain consistent

energy levels. In addition, because spirulina is so high in protein,

minerals and essential fatty acids, it is a healthy energy food that

is especially useful for people on low-calorie diets. Kelp is another

seaweed that is an energy-booster.

Natural Health Secrets by Glenn W Geelhoed MD Jean Barilla MS, page 22

 

" .. Children fed 5 grams of spirulina tablets daily have been shown to

make dramatic recoveries.. " Evets LB et al., Means to normalize the

levels of immunoglobulin E using the food supplement spirulina.

Grodenski State Medical University, Russian Federation Committee of

Patents and Trade, January 15,1994.

A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 524

 

Health Benefits: spirulina lowers cholesterol, suppresses fatty

accumulation in the liver, prevents tumor formation, enhances the

immune system, and protects kidneys.

New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 322

 

Some nutritional practitioners recommend spirulina therapeutically to

lower cholesterol levels and boost immunity. It is sometimes sprinkled

on foods as a condiment.

Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 84

 

Green-food concentrates are chlorophyll-rich supplements. Most are

derived from microalgae (such as spirulina, blue-green algae, or

chlorella) or from the young grasses of cereal plants (such as barley,

wheat, and alfalfa). They are particularly rich in such nutrients as

vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace elements. Chlorophyll acts as

an antioxidant and may have medicinal benefits against cancer and

immune problems.

Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 229

 

Spirulina platensis extracts have been demonstrated to enhance

macrophage function in cats and to enhance humoral and cell-mediated

immune functions in chickens. The mechanism of these effects is unknown.

PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David

Rorvik, page 438

 

Spirulina has shown some indication of having antiviral effects in

preliminary in vitro and animal studies. There is also evidence of a

preliminary nature that it might favorably affect some immune

functions and have some hepatoprotective capability.

PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David

Rorvik, page 438

 

Spirulina and some of its constituents have shown an ability to

favorably affect various immune functions.

PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David

Rorvik, page 438

 

Wheat-grass, barley grass, and spirulina, often referred to as green

foods, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and

minerals. They are good for helping to treat all colon disorders,

HIV/AIDS, cancer, and virtually every other type of illnesses.

Spirulina is high in protein, beta-carotene, gamma-linolenic acid

(GLA), and nutrients essential for the formation of hormones. It is

good for vegetarians because it is one of the few available vegetable

sources of vitamin B12, which is lacking in most vegetarians' diets.

It is also rich in calcium, iron, RNA, DNA, and trace minerals.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 100

 

If you need a mineral supplement, alfalfa is a good choice. It has

helped many arthritis sufferers. Alfalfa, wheat-grass, barley, and

spirulina, all of which contain chlorophyll, have been found to aid in

the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, eczema,

hemorrhoids, asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, constipation, body

and breath odor, bleeding gums, infections, burns, athlete's foot, and

cancer.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James

F Balch MD

 

Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that aids in protecting the

immune system, in cholesterol reduction, and in mineral absorption.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James

F Balch MD, page 80

 

Vitamin deficiencies have been associated with oral cancer. Spirulina

has been found in several studies to inhibit the growth of oral tumors.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James

F Balch MD, page 259

 

Spirulina—The blue-green microalgae spirulina sold in natural food

stores in America, have been found to be a rich natural source of

proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. Experimental studies

in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of spirulina

algae on oral cancers.

Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

 

Because spirulina is so nutritious, some researchers believe that it

can boost immunity. In one study, Japanese investigators found that

mice that were fed spirulina had more antibody-producing cells than

those deprived of it. And in a study from India, pregnant rats that

were fed spirulina gave birth to more pups in one litter than pregnant

rats that didn't eat spirulina.

The Complete Book Of Alternative Nutrition by Selene Y Craig, page 232

 

One study showed that spirulina supplementation resulted in

significantly higher iron storage and increased hemoglobin content in

the blood of pregnant rats. Foods and herbs that contain high levels

of chlorophyll show pharmacological evidence of cancer prevention,

perhaps because pigments in green vegetables such as spinach, kale,

broccoli, and lettuce bind with and thus stimulate excretion of

cancer-causing chemicals. Even more interesting is a report from one

researcher that " Given their exclusive dietary origin, . . .

chlorophyll metabolites may represent essential nutrients that

coordinate cellular metabolism (through nuclear receptors). "

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson, page 84

 

Overview:

 

* Spirulina shown to prevent and treat cancers while boosting

immune system function

 

Source: http://www.newstarget.com/008421.html