Research · Animal study
Activation of the human innate immune system by Spirulina — augmentation of interferon production and NK cytotoxicity
Hirahashi T, Matsumoto M, Hazeki K et al. · 2002 · International Immunopharmacology
Key finding
Spirulina polysaccharides significantly increased NK cell cytotoxicity and interferon-γ production in both in vitro human assays and in vivo mouse infection models. Mice pre-treated with spirulina showed reduced Herpes simplex and influenza viral replication.
Why this matters for consumers
Provides mechanistic and in vivo evidence for spirulina's NK cell stimulating properties. The specific identification of spirulina polysaccharides as the active fraction (rather than phycocyanin) points to a distinct immune mechanism from spirulina's antioxidant pathway. Most frequently cited in immune function discussions.
Study limitations
Animal and in vitro study; no human clinical trial on infection outcomes; polysaccharide extract used rather than whole spirulina.
Related studies
The effects of spirulina on anemia and immune function in senior citizens
Selmi et al. · 2011
The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis
Cingi et al. · 2008
Enhancement of immunity by dietary spirulina
Qureshi et al. · 1996
Activation of the human innate immune system by spirulina
Hirahashi et al. · 2002
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