Botanic name: Spirulina spp.1

Common name: Spirulina1

Habitat: Spirulina is a freshwater blue green algae found in most lakes and ponds. It belongs to the kingdom of Monera and division Cyanophyta and genus of the phylum Cyanobacteria (“Cyano” derived from the Greek word meaning blue) 2. The blue-green algae 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)3.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antiallergic, hepaoprotective and immunomodulatory activities 1 .

Active constituents: phycobilins or phycobiliproteins 1.

Indications: Certain allergies, anaemia, viruses and inflammatory processes 1.

Of interest: Spirulina originates from the Latin word helix or spiral, denoting the nature of the algae. It has been consumed for thousands of years by humans, such as the Aztecs and Mayans 2.

Sources:

1. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs & Natural Supplements. An evidence-based guide. 3rd ed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone; 2011.

2. Gershwin M.E, Belay A. Spirulina in Human Nutrition and Health. Florida: CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group; 2008.

3. University of Maryland Medical Center. Spirulina[Internet]. 2013 [cited 2013 Nov 20]. Available from: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/spirulina