Spirulina is a highly effective remover of heavy metals, and has been demonstrated to support normal regeneration rates in the brain despite the presence of a variety of research toxins. This remarkable blue-green algae has powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and helps prevent the accumulation of beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein, proteins that clump together in the brain and create the fibrils characteristic of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease.
Neuroprotection
Phycocyanobilin proteins, the main bioactives in spirulina, are responsible for its potent antioxidant effects. These proteins inhibit an enzyme complex called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, which catalyzes the production of free radicals and is believed to play a central role in in inflammatory and oxidative diseases.
Numerous studies have observed a decrease in brain inflammation from consuming spirulina. Its ability to block NADPH oxidase, resulting in less microglia activation, is a confirmed reason for this effect. Researchers are investigating whether spirulina also acts via a second, independent anti-inflammatory mechanism of increasing the activity of our fractalkine receptors, which leads to less production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. These protective processes help block the synthesis of beta-amyloid and alpha-synuclein and prevent these proteins from causing neurotoxic effects.
The neuroprotection seen from spirulina has been linked to improved motor and memory function, as well as lower levels of TNF-alpha and other biomarkers of systemic inflammation.
Detoxification
In addition to protecting the brain from toxic stressors by calming inflammation, spirulina is one of the few compounds proven to actively remove heavy metals and significantly reduce related toxicity. This has been noted with lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.
Neurogenesis
Spirulina encourages neuron health and regeneration by reducing the brain’s toxic load and lowering inflammation. It has been shown to increase the density of brain cells in lab animals infected with alpha-synuclein, especially in the substantia nigra, the first area of the brain to be affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Studies:
A Spirulina-Enhanced Diet Provides Neuroprotection in an α-Synuclein Model of Parkinson's Disease
CX3CL1 reduces neurotoxicity and microglial activation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Control of microglial neurotoxicity by the fractalkine receptor
Protective effects of C-phycocyanin against kainic acid-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus
NADPH oxidase 1-mediated oxidative stress leads to dopamine neuron death in Parkinson's disease
Neuroprotective effect of Spirulina in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Simple in vitro assays to identify amyloid-beta aggregation blockers for Alzheimer's disease therapy
Spirulina (Arthrospira) protects against cadmium-induced teratogenic damage in mice
Spirulina platensis feeding inhibited the anemia- and leucopenia-induced lead and cadmium in rats