Lee Swanson Research Update

Spirulina Alleviates Allergic Rhinitis

June 2005

spirulina

Ingestion of spirulina (a natural blue-green algae) alleviates the effects of allergic rhinitis, according to a study conducted at the University of California, Davis. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis. It involved the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, Eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses and pharynx.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involved 36 allergic rhinitis patients administered supplemental spirulina. Researchers found two grams per day of spirulina provided a significant reduction in interleukin-4, a compound responsible for production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a mediator of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

"This is the first time that a nutraceutical has been shown to have beneficial effects on the machinery that causes human allergies," said Eric Gershwin, Ph.D., one of the researchers. "While further studies are planned, we are pleased that spirulina, a material rich in antioxidants and containing other important nutrients, has clear potential to help people with allergies."

Journal of Medicinal Food 8(1):27-30, 2005

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