Spirulina and Several Cancer Models: Research Summary

Research context: This article summarizes findings reported in the linked sources. Much of the research described here uses cell models, animals or isolated Spirulina compounds; it does not establish that eating Spirulina prevents or treats cancer in people. SPRU is a food, not a substitute for cancer screening, diagnosis or care.

Extracts from the Spirulina chapter on Examine.com - the largest database of nutrition and supplement research on the Internet. 

REDUCED DNA FRAGMENTATION IN LIVER & TESTICULAR CANCER

In studies that measure DNA fragmentation in healthy cells in response to toxins (a process seen as carcinogenic), spirulina reduced DNA fragmentation (by aflatoxin) from a 31.2% increase to just 8.8% in the liver.

TESTICULAR CANCER

In studies that measure DNA fragmentation in healthy cells in response to toxins (a process seen as carcinogenic), spirulina reduced DNA fragmentation (by aflatoxin) from a 10.2% increase to just 0.9% in the testes.

REDUCED TUMOR SIZE

Spirulina appears to have the capacity to reduce tumor size or otherwise retard tumor growth rates.

COUNTERS ORAL CANCER IN SMOKERS

Low dose spirulina (1g) has been noted to decrease the rate of oral lesions in tobacco users.

MELANOMA

One in vitro study investigating the polysaccharide of spirulina known as Calcium Spirulin noted that B16-BL6 Melanoma cells had 50% reduced invasion and reduced migration.

COLON CANCER

C-phycocyanin from spirulina is associated with protecting from colon cancer in part due to its ability to inhibit excessive production of COX-2 in colon cells, which tends to be increased in colon cancer cells.

Many studies pair C-Phycocyanin with Piroxicam, which is a non-selective COX1/2 inhibitor, and the benefits appear additive.

Learn more

Spirulina - Interactions with Cancer Metabolism

EXAMINE.COM Spirulina - Chapter 12. Examine is the largest database of nutrition and supplement research on the Internet. 

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