SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Abstract
In the evolving health management paradigm, the general regulation of the immune system as well as the enhancement of specific immune functions have become a growing point of interest, and rightly so. Many health problems result from the inability of the immune system to stop a disease process in its initial stage. This paper will review the scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory effects of blue-green algae and some of the demonstrated effects of blue-green algae on health and disease. Read more...

Abstract
Cyanobacteria are known from a long evolutionary history and its unique traits, for example, oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on water sources (mainly contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, in agriculture as biofertilizer, wastewater treatment, enhancing the soil fertility, reclamation of saline soil, and in nutrition as food supplements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource to harness the maximum benefit of cyanobacteria. Furthermore, Cyanobacteria also produce an ample variety of chemicals (secondary metabolites) that are not needed for their normal growth of cyanobacteria which show powerful biological activities such as strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory activities useful for therapeutic purposes. Since cyanobacteria grow in simple growth needs, therefore it is cost-effective to make full use of cyanobacteria for the production of recombinant compounds of medicinal and commercial purposes. Recently cyanobacteria have opened new ways to explore in screening, culture, and genetic engineering techniques without many side effects. This review examines cyanobacteria uses and its application that can be used to deal with current problems and scarcity such as food, energy, and environmental deterioration. Read more...

Abstract
Blue-green algae, historically consumed as a food source in certain native cultures, has
more recently been promoted as a nutritional supplement for the general public. Several
daims have been made regarding the consumption of blue-green algae. Such daims
range from increased physical and mental energy to the treatment of neurological
disorders and the enhancement of the immune system.

In order to determine whether the species of blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
(AFA) has effects on immune cell circulation and function, 21 volunteers were involved
in a crossover, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Results reveal that two hours
after AFA consumption, there was a generalized mobilization of lymphocytes and
monocytes. This mobilization included increases in the CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell
subsets, and of CDI9+ B ceUs, in peripheral blood. In neither the CD4+ nor the CD8+
subsets however, were changes observed in the relative proportions of naïve versus
memory T ceUs. [n addition, the relative proportions and absolute numbers of natural
killer (NK) ceUs in peripheral blood were reduced after AFA consumption. This effect
did not occur with polymorphonuclear (PMN) ceUs.

Using in vitro techniques to elucidate possible mechanisms of these in vivo observations,
we have found that AFA binds to the L-selectin Molecule on lymphocytes and PMNs.
Furthermore, it does not directly activate lymphocytes, as evaluated by tyrosine
phosphorylation, and by proliferative activity. Similarly, AFA does not induce reactive
oxygen species formation in PMNs in vitro, and appears to slightly reduce the phagocytic
activity of PMNs harvested from volunteers 2 hours post-consumption (ex-vivo).

Further studies are required to determine the components of AFA that are responsible for
these phenomena. By altering the circulation of specific leukocyte subsets however,
AFA represents a novel approach to modulating immune surveillance. Such an approach may have implications in the treatment and prevention of infection, cancer, and immunodefieiency states. Read more...

Abstract
Background: Blue- green algae is one of the most nutrient dense foods which is rich in substances that have useful effects on human health. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a water- soluble extract of the cyanophyta Aphanizomenon Flos-aquae (Stemtech™) as a functional supplement on CD markers, lipid profile, glucose levels as well as its side effects in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: During this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 49 type 2 diabetic patients, aged between 20 and 60 years with a HbA 1 C 2:: 7.5 %, were allocated. Patients were divided into two groups of placebo and treated with an equal ratio 1 :1 . The subjects in StemtechTM group received one capsule of StemF/o (508 mg) before breakfast and two capsules of StemEnhance (500 mg) after each meal for a period of 12 weeks, and placebo group was instructed to take placebo with the same pattern. During the intervention period, subjects were asked to keep usual diet and prohibited to take any functional foods or dietary supplements. Metabolic panel has been measured as the primary outcome of study at the beginning and end of the intervention period via blood sampling. Read more...

Abstract

Background: StemSport (SS; StemTech
International, Inc. San Clemente, CA) contains a proprietary blend of the
botanical Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and several herbal antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory substances. SS has been purported to accelerate tissue repair
and restore muscle function following resistance exercise. Here, we examine the
effects of SS supplementation on strength adaptations resulting from a 12-week
resistance training program in healthy young adults.

Methods: Twenty-four young adults (16 males, 8
females, mean age = 20.5 ± 1.9 years, mass = 70.9 ± 11.9 kg, stature = 176.6 ±
9.9 cm) completed the twelve-week training program. The study design was a
double-blind, placebo controlled parallel group trial. Subjects either received
placebo or StemSport supplement (SS; mg/day) during the training. 1-RM bench
press, 1-RM leg press, vertical jump height, balance (star excursion and center
of mass excursion), isokinetic strength (elbow and knee flexion/extension) and
perception of recovery were measured at baseline and following the 12-week
training intervention.

Results: Resistance training increased 1-RM
strength (p < 0.008), vertical jump height (p < 0.03), and isokinetic
strength (p < 0.05) in both SS and placebo groups. No significant
group-by-time interactions were observed (all p-values >0.10).

Conclusions: These data suggest that compared to
placebo, the SS herbal/botanical supplement did not enhance training induced
adaptations to strength, balance, and muscle function above strength training
alone. Read more...

Abstract

Background: Adult stem cells are known to have a
reduced restorative capacity as we age and are more vulnerable to oxidative
stress resulting in a reduced ability of the body to heal itself. We have
previously reported that a proprietary nutraceutical formulation, NT-020,
promotes proliferation of human hematopoietic stem cells in vitro and protects
stem cells from oxidative stress when given chronically to mice in vivo.
Because previous reports suggest that the blue green algae, Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae (AFA) can modulate immune function in animals, we sought to
investigate the effects of AFA on human stem cells in cultures.

Material/methods: Two AFA products were used for
extraction: AFA whole (AFA-W) and AFA cellular concentrate (AFA-C). Water and
ethanol extractions were performed to isolate active compounds for cell culture
experiments. For cell proliferation analysis, human bone marrow cells or human
CD34+ cells were cultured in 96 well plates and treated for 72 hours with
various extracts. An MTT assay was used to estimate cell proliferation.

Results: We report here that the addition of an
ethanol extract of AFA-cellular concentrate further enhances the stem cell
proliferative action of NT-020 when incubated with human adult bone marrow
cells or human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors in culture. Algae extracts alone
had only moderate activity in these stem cell proliferation assays.

Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests
that NT-020 plus the ethanol extract of AFA cellular concentrate may act to
promote proliferation of human stem cell populations. Read more...

The Stimulating Effects of AFA on Natural Killer Cells (an excerpt from "Primordial Food" by C. Drapeau).

A Novel Approach To Wellness (an excerpt from "Tapping Into the Power of Your Own Stem Cells" by C. Drapeau).

Read more...

Abstract
Pharmaceutically valuable products from microalgae and its industrial commercialization today is still in its infancy and can be seen as a gateway to a multibillion dollar industry. Microalgae generally grow autotrophically and are ubiquitous in nature. They represent a major untapped resource of genetic potential for valuable bioactive agents and fine biochemical. This proven ability of microalgae to produce these compounds places these microorganisms in the biotechnological spotlight for applications and commercialization as in the pharmaceutical industry. The production of microalgal metabolites, which stimulate defense mechanisms in the human body, has spurred intense study of the application of microalgal biomass and products thereof in various food preparations, pharmacological and medical products. There is, therefore, a huge scope for further study of the identified algal compounds and their activities in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, in addition to an ongoing search for other, as yet undetected, metabolites. Read more...

Abstract
The nervous system had been found to be affected by
oxidative stress. Natural dietary supplements had been proved that they have
antioxidants properties that may protect our bodies against the effects of free
radicals. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) are a dietary supplement with
scientifically demonstrated health-improving effects especially on the nervous
system. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used medication in chemotherapy and
can cause oxidative stress. This study was conducted to investigate the role of
AFA in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced adverse effects on the brain tissue
of CP-treated rats. It is an experimental study carried out in the period from
November 2020 to June 2021. It was performed on 30 albino rats with body
weights of 280-320 g. The animals were divided into the following three groups.
Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (CP group, received a single dose of CP at 100
mg/kg-1 BW intraperitoneally), and Group 3 (CP+ AFA, received orally extract of
AFA for 30 days after CP injection). The morphological and histological
structures of the brain were compared in the different groups of rats. Paraffin
sections were prepared for histological, histochemical, immune-histochemical
and morphometric studies. The data were statistically analyzed. Examined
sections showed significant cellular injury in group 2 in comparison to the
control groups. Group 3 showed marked improvements in the changes that occurred
compared to the second group. These results provide evidence that AFA has a
protective effect as they reduced the pathological cellular injuries in the
cerebral cortex cells induced by cyclophosphamide. Read more...

Abstract
As the host defense response to various injuries and
pathogens in the body, inflammation can remove damaged cells and pathogens in
the host organism and protect the body. However, excessive inflammation may
cause damage to normal tissue cells while removing pathogens, which in turn
cause numerous inflammatory diseases and adversely affect the human health.
Phycocyanin is an active substance extracted from algae; it has outstanding
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and can effectively inhibit various
diseases caused by inflammation. This review systematically summarizes recent
applications of phycocyanin against various in flammatory diseases in lung,
liver, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular systems. In addition, possible
antiinflammatory action pathways of phycocyanin are reviewed to canvass the
anti-inflammatory mechanism. At last, based on the existing research,
phycocyanobilin in phycocyanin is proposed as a bilirubin analog by inducing
heme oxygenase 1 in vivo to suppress inflammation. Read more...

Abstract
Phycocyanin is an excellent antioxidant with
anti-inflammatory effects on which recent studies are growing; however, its
specific target remains unclear. Linear tetrapyrrole compounds such as
bilirubin have been shown to lead to the induction of heme oxygenase 1
expression in vivo, thus achieving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Phycocyanin is bound internally with linear tetrapyrrole phycocyanobilin in a
similar structure to bilirubin. We speculate that there is probably a way of
inducing the expression of heme oxygenase 1, with which tissue oxidative stress
and inflammation can be inhibited, thus inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis caused by
oxidative damage and inflammation of lung. By optimizing the enzymatic
hydrolysis process, phycocyanobilin bound phycocyanin peptide were obtained,
and its in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pulmonary fibrosis
activities were investigated. The results show that the phycocyanobilin peptide
was able to alleviate oxidative and inflammatory damage in cells through the
Keap1-Nrf2- HO-1 pathway, which in turn relieved pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Read more...

Abstract
Several active principles from plants could trigger the
release of stem cells from the bone marrow. Stem cell mobilizers have shown
side effects in patients. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to find the
natural products from plants (curcuminoids, glycosinolate of sulforaphane, AFA
bluegreen algae), which could be potential stem mobilizes without adverse side
effects. The antioxidant curcumin
[1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-2,5-dione], glycosinolate of
sulforaphane (broccoli) or AFA (Aphanizomenon flos) extract promote
beneficial effects in patients. The number of circulating stem cells were
monitored by HSC marker-CD34 by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from healthy
subjects. CD34 is a hematological stem cells (HSC) marker. A double-blind study
was conducted in 22 healthy subjects. We have evaluated whether short-term AFA-Aphanizomenon
flos aquae-algae or curcuminoids consumption (powder or liquid formulation)
over 48 consecutive hours could increase the total number of peripheral CD34+
blood cells (n = 22, n = 5 subjects/group). The
total number of circulating CD34+ cells were quantified after
short-term and long-term nutritional supplementation; their levels were
compared with their own basal levels (n = 5/group, controls: before
taking any supplement) or placebo-treated patients (n = 7); their
average age was 54 years old. We also evaluated whether long-term nutritional
supplementation with several nutraceuticals could enhance HSC mobilization by
increasing the total number of peripheral CD-34+ cell after seven or 38
consecutive days of administration (n = 5, with seven
placebo-treated patients). The long-term administration take place with these
doses/day [curcuminoids: 2000 mg/day, equivalent to 120 mg of
curcuminoids/day), glycosinolate of sulforaphane (66 mg/day), plus AFA Algae
bluegreen extract (400 mg/day)]. On the last day (10 A.M.) of treatment, blood
samples were collected six hours after taking these supplements; the average
age was 54 years old. Notably, the blue green AFA algae extract consumption
over 48 h enhances HSC mobilization by increasing the total number of
peripheral CD34+ cells. The long-term administration with curcuminoids,
glycosinolate of sulforaphane, and AFA bluegreen algae extract also increased
the total number of CD34-HSC cells after seven or 38 days of consecutive of
administration in healthy subjects. Read more...

Abstract
Red algae have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Medical science has identified a number of complex carbohydrates with unique chemical properties. For instance, certain algal extracts have antiviral and anti-tumour properties. The high fibre content of red algae means it is also useful in improving digestion. Red algae are frequently taken as a dietary supplement, though its status as a "super-food" is uncertain since it hasn't been shown to improve normal function. Blue-green algae are used as a source of dietary protein, B-vitamins, and iron. They are also used for weight loss, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hay fever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other women’s health issues. Some people use blue-green algae for treating precancerous growths inside the mouth, boosting the immune system, improving memory, increasing energy and metabolism, lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, healing wounds, and improving digestion and bowel health. Read more...

Abstract
In the evolving health management paradigm, the general regulation of the immune system as well as the enhancement of specific immune functions have become a growing point of interest, and rightly so. Many health problems result from the inability of the immune system to stop a disease process in its initial stage. This paper will review the scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory effects of blue-green algae and some of the demonstrated effects of blue-green algae on health and disease. Read more...

Abstract
Cyanobacteria are known from a long evolutionary history and its unique traits, for example, oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on water sources (mainly contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, in agriculture as biofertilizer, wastewater treatment, enhancing the soil fertility, reclamation of saline soil, and in nutrition as food supplements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource to harness the maximum benefit of cyanobacteria. Furthermore, Cyanobacteria also produce an ample variety of chemicals (secondary metabolites) that are not needed for their normal growth of cyanobacteria which show powerful biological activities such as strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory activities useful for therapeutic purposes. Since cyanobacteria grow in simple growth needs, therefore it is cost-effective to make full use of cyanobacteria for the production of recombinant compounds of medicinal and commercial purposes. Recently cyanobacteria have opened new ways to explore in screening, culture, and genetic engineering techniques without many side effects. This review examines cyanobacteria uses and its application that can be used to deal with current problems and scarcity such as food, energy, and environmental deterioration. Read more...

Abstract
Blue-green algae, historically consumed as a food source in certain native cultures, has
more recently been promoted as a nutritional supplement for the general public. Several
daims have been made regarding the consumption of blue-green algae. Such daims
range from increased physical and mental energy to the treatment of neurological
disorders and the enhancement of the immune system.

In order to determine whether the species of blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
(AFA) has effects on immune cell circulation and function, 21 volunteers were involved
in a crossover, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Results reveal that two hours
after AFA consumption, there was a generalized mobilization of lymphocytes and
monocytes. This mobilization included increases in the CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell
subsets, and of CDI9+ B ceUs, in peripheral blood. In neither the CD4+ nor the CD8+
subsets however, were changes observed in the relative proportions of naïve versus
memory T ceUs. [n addition, the relative proportions and absolute numbers of natural
killer (NK) ceUs in peripheral blood were reduced after AFA consumption. This effect
did not occur with polymorphonuclear (PMN) ceUs.

Using in vitro techniques to elucidate possible mechanisms of these in vivo observations,
we have found that AFA binds to the L-selectin Molecule on lymphocytes and PMNs.
Furthermore, it does not directly activate lymphocytes, as evaluated by tyrosine
phosphorylation, and by proliferative activity. Similarly, AFA does not induce reactive
oxygen species formation in PMNs in vitro, and appears to slightly reduce the phagocytic
activity of PMNs harvested from volunteers 2 hours post-consumption (ex-vivo).

Further studies are required to determine the components of AFA that are responsible for
these phenomena. By altering the circulation of specific leukocyte subsets however,
AFA represents a novel approach to modulating immune surveillance. Such an approach may have implications in the treatment and prevention of infection, cancer, and immunodefieiency states. Read more...

Abstract

Objective: Phycocyanin is a pigment found in
blue-green algae which contains open chain tetrapyrroles with possible
scavenging properties. We have studied its antioxidant properties.

Materials and methods: Phycocyanin was evaluated
as a putative antioxidant in vitro by using: a) luminol-enhanced
chemiluminescence (LCL) generated by three different radical species (O2-, OH.,
RO.) and by zymosan activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), b)
deoxyribose assay and c) inhibition of liver microsomal lipid peroxidation
induced by Fe+2-ascorbic acid. The antioxidant activity was also assayed in
vivo in glucose oxidase (GO)-induced inflammation in mouse paw.

Results: The results indicated that phycocyanin
is able to scavenge OH. (IC50 = 0.91 mg/mL) and RO. (IC50 = 76 microg/mL)
radicals, with activity equivalent to 0.125 mg/mL of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)
and 0.038 microg/mL of trolox, specific scavengers of those radicals
respectively. In the deoxyribose assay the second-order rate constant was 3.56
x 10(11) M(-1) S(-1), similar to that obtained for some non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. Phycocyanin also inhibits liver microsomal lipid
peroxidation (IC50 = 12 mg/mL), the CL response of PMNLs (p < 0.05) as well
as the edema index in GO-induced inflammation in mouse paw (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first
report of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of c-phycocyanin. Read more...

Abstract
Many public health problems are caused by infectious agents
like microbial organisms including viruses, bacteria and fungi, lifestyle and
environmental factors. The most dreadful diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes,
many viral infections, heart diseases and cancer are causing human deaths
worldwide. Cancer is a complex, multistep process and multi-factorial in
origin. Cancer causing agents called carcinogens transform a normal cell to
tumor or cancerous cell. Lifestyle, food habits, job factors, environmental
factors and hereditary mutations play a major role in carcinogenesis.
Consumption of Tobacco products, chewing of betel nut, Alcohol, high dietary
fat, red meat, imbalanced diet, canned and preserved food, deep fried and junk
food, Cigar smoking, exposure to smoke contents of cigarette, radiation for a
longer period, lack of adequate physical activity, are main causes of
tumorigenesis and increase in rate of cancer incidences. People working in
cement factories, welding works, wood works are more susceptible to
transformation and development of tumor. Biological microorganisms such as bacterial
and viral infections also contribute nearly 19% of cancers. Chemical drugs used
in the treatment or cancer therapy are leading to side effects. Therefore,
there is a need to develop safe, effective and novel drugs. Research findings
of earlier studies indicate that the Spirulina platensis exhibits clinical
significance especially anticancer activity. Read more...

Abstract
Humans depend on plants for their survival. In addition to
providing us with food, clothing, medicine and cosmetics, they have been of
tremendous medicinal importance since the dawn of civilization. Many of these
plants, in particular herbs, are rich in unique natural products (active
phytochemicals) which make them ideal for use in herbal medicine in the
successful treatment of several diseases in humans. A wide variety of natural
compounds including phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids,
lignans, polyphenolics, coumarins, saponins, furyl compounds, pigments,
thiophenes, proteins and peptides have been identified for the therapeutic use.
This chapter reviews the potential medicinal uses of Spirulina, which have not
been comprehensively discussed so far. Spirulina, a fresh water blue
green-algal photosynthetic prokaryote thought to be in existence for more than
2 billion years, contains high levels of amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins,
various B-vitamins, beta -carotene, lipids and minerals, including calcium,
iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc, in addition to various other
phytochemicals such as the plant pigments. Aside from its nutritional value,
this blue-green alga offers diverse therapeutic uses. Spirulina and its natural
products have been shown to exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. Although in vitro and in vivo
studies show promising health benefits of Spirulina, there is an urgent need to
conduct clinical trials to determine the safety, dosage, bioavailability and
bioefficacy of Spirulina and their components against various human diseases. Read more...

Abstract
As the host defense response to various injuries and
pathogens in the body, inflammation can remove damaged cells and pathogens in
the host organism and protect the body. However, excessive inflammation may
cause damage to normal tissue cells while removing pathogens, which in turn
cause numerous inflammatory diseases and adversely affect the human health.
Phycocyanin is an active substance extracted from algae; it has outstanding
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and can effectively inhibit various
diseases caused by inflammation. This review systematically summarizes recent
applications of phycocyanin against various in flammatory diseases in lung,
liver, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular systems. In addition, possible
antiinflammatory action pathways of phycocyanin are reviewed to canvass the
anti-inflammatory mechanism. At last, based on the existing research,
phycocyanobilin in phycocyanin is proposed as a bilirubin analog by inducing
heme oxygenase 1 in vivo to suppress inflammation. Read more...

Abstract
Phycocyanin is an excellent antioxidant with
anti-inflammatory effects on which recent studies are growing; however, its
specific target remains unclear. Linear tetrapyrrole compounds such as
bilirubin have been shown to lead to the induction of heme oxygenase 1
expression in vivo, thus achieving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Phycocyanin is bound internally with linear tetrapyrrole phycocyanobilin in a
similar structure to bilirubin. We speculate that there is probably a way of
inducing the expression of heme oxygenase 1, with which tissue oxidative stress
and inflammation can be inhibited, thus inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis caused by
oxidative damage and inflammation of lung. By optimizing the enzymatic
hydrolysis process, phycocyanobilin bound phycocyanin peptide were obtained,
and its in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pulmonary fibrosis
activities were investigated. The results show that the phycocyanobilin peptide
was able to alleviate oxidative and inflammatory damage in cells through the
Keap1-Nrf2- HO-1 pathway, which in turn relieved pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Read more...

Abstract
An aging population in the United States presents important
challenges for patients and physicians. The presence of inflammation can
contribute to an accelerated aging process, the increasing presence of
comorbidities, oxidative stress, and an increased prevalence of chronic pain.
As patient-centered care is embracing a multimodal, integrative approach to the
management of disease, patients and physicians are increasingly looking to the
potential contribution of natural products. Camu camu, a well-researched and
innovative natural product, has the potential to contribute, possibly
substantially, to this management paradigm. The key issue is to raise camu
camu's visibility through increased emphasis on its robust evidentiary base and
its various formulations, as well as making consumers, patients, and physicians
more aware of its potential. A program to increase the visibility of camu camu
can contribute substantially not only to the management of inflammatory
conditions and its positive contribution to overall good health but also to its
potential role in many disease states. Read more...

Abstract
Amazonian Camu camu fruit (Myrciaria dubia (Kunth)
McVaugh) has been called a “superfruit” due to its high levels of bioactive and
antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The
biofunctional properties of camu camu fruit (including pulp, peel, and seeds)
have been well established through several in vitro and in vivo studies.
Several reports confirmed the nutritious and biofunctional value of camu camu
extracts or its food-derived products, exhibiting antioxidant, antihyperglycemic,
antihypertensive, and antiobesity activity, contributing to quality life
improvement. Other studies showed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
antiproliferative, antihepatotoxic, antihemolytic, antimutagenic, and cell
rejuvenation bioactivities. This Review summarizes the bioactive profile of
camu camu fruit through the understanding of some physiological modulation
processes and its contribution to the Amazon bioeconomy under the development
of biofunctional food ingredients exhibiting health benefits. Read more...

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress as well as inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Although, various anti-oxidative dietary supplements have been evaluated for their ability to prevent atherosclerosis, no effective ones have been determined at present. "Camu-camu" (Myrciaria dubia) is an Amazonian fruit that offers high vitamin C content. However, its anti-oxidative property has not been evaluated in vivo in humans.

Methods: To assess the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of camu-camu in humans, 20 male smoking volunteers, considered to have an accelerated oxidative stress state, were recruited and randomly assigned to take daily 70 ml of 100% camu-camu juice, corresponding to 1050 mg of vitamin C (camu-camu group; n=10) or 1050 mg of vitamin C tablets (vitamin C group; n=10) for 7 days.

Results: After 7 days, oxidative stress markers such as the levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (P<0.05) and total reactive oxygen species (P<0.01) and inflammatory markers such as serum levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (P<0.05), interleukin (IL)-6 (P<0.05), and IL-8 (P<0.01) decreased significantly in the camu-camu group, while there was no change in the vitamin C group.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that camu-camu juice may have powerful anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, compared to vitamin C tablets containing equivalent vitamin C content. These effects may be due to the existence of unknown anti-oxidant substances besides vitamin C or unknown substances modulating in vivo vitamin C kinetics in camu-camu. Read more...

Abstract
Cyanobacteria are known from a long evolutionary history and its unique traits, for example, oxygenic photosynthesis, high biomass yield, growth on water sources (mainly contaminated and polluted waters), generation of useful by-products and bio-fuels, in agriculture as biofertilizer, wastewater treatment, enhancing the soil fertility, reclamation of saline soil, and in nutrition as food supplements and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have collectively offered these bio-agents as the precious bio-resource to harness the maximum benefit of cyanobacteria. Furthermore, Cyanobacteria also produce an ample variety of chemicals (secondary metabolites) that are not needed for their normal growth of cyanobacteria which show powerful biological activities such as strong antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory activities useful for therapeutic purposes. Since cyanobacteria grow in simple growth needs, therefore it is cost-effective to make full use of cyanobacteria for the production of recombinant compounds of medicinal and commercial purposes. Recently cyanobacteria have opened new ways to explore in screening, culture, and genetic engineering techniques without many side effects. This review examines cyanobacteria uses and its application that can be used to deal with current problems and scarcity such as food, energy, and environmental deterioration. Read more...

Abstract
Many public health problems are caused by infectious agents
like microbial organisms including viruses, bacteria and fungi, lifestyle and
environmental factors. The most dreadful diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes,
many viral infections, heart diseases and cancer are causing human deaths
worldwide. Cancer is a complex, multistep process and multi-factorial in
origin. Cancer causing agents called carcinogens transform a normal cell to
tumor or cancerous cell. Lifestyle, food habits, job factors, environmental
factors and hereditary mutations play a major role in carcinogenesis.
Consumption of Tobacco products, chewing of betel nut, Alcohol, high dietary
fat, red meat, imbalanced diet, canned and preserved food, deep fried and junk
food, Cigar smoking, exposure to smoke contents of cigarette, radiation for a
longer period, lack of adequate physical activity, are main causes of
tumorigenesis and increase in rate of cancer incidences. People working in
cement factories, welding works, wood works are more susceptible to
transformation and development of tumor. Biological microorganisms such as bacterial
and viral infections also contribute nearly 19% of cancers. Chemical drugs used
in the treatment or cancer therapy are leading to side effects. Therefore,
there is a need to develop safe, effective and novel drugs. Research findings
of earlier studies indicate that the Spirulina platensis exhibits clinical
significance especially anticancer activity. Read more...

Abstract
In the evolving health management paradigm, the general regulation of the immune system as well as the enhancement of specific immune functions have become a growing point of interest, and rightly so. Many health problems result from the inability of the immune system to stop a disease process in its initial stage. This paper will review the scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory effects of blue-green algae and some of the demonstrated effects of blue-green algae on health and disease. Read more...

Abstract
Humans depend on plants for their survival. In addition to
providing us with food, clothing, medicine and cosmetics, they have been of
tremendous medicinal importance since the dawn of civilization. Many of these
plants, in particular herbs, are rich in unique natural products (active
phytochemicals) which make them ideal for use in herbal medicine in the
successful treatment of several diseases in humans. A wide variety of natural
compounds including phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids,
lignans, polyphenolics, coumarins, saponins, furyl compounds, pigments,
thiophenes, proteins and peptides have been identified for the therapeutic use.
This chapter reviews the potential medicinal uses of Spirulina, which have not
been comprehensively discussed so far. Spirulina, a fresh water blue
green-algal photosynthetic prokaryote thought to be in existence for more than
2 billion years, contains high levels of amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins,
various B-vitamins, beta -carotene, lipids and minerals, including calcium,
iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc, in addition to various other
phytochemicals such as the plant pigments. Aside from its nutritional value,
this blue-green alga offers diverse therapeutic uses. Spirulina and its natural
products have been shown to exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. Although in vitro and in vivo
studies show promising health benefits of Spirulina, there is an urgent need to
conduct clinical trials to determine the safety, dosage, bioavailability and
bioefficacy of Spirulina and their components against various human diseases. Read more...