Research · Randomised controlled trial
Spirulina platensis reduced the severity of hypertension in randomised controlled trial
Ku CS, Yang Y, Park Y, Lee J · 2013 · Nutrition Research
Key finding
Spirulina at 4.5 g/day significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 8 mmHg and diastolic by approximately 6 mmHg in stage 1 hypertensive adults. Reductions in lipid peroxidation markers were also observed.
Why this matters for consumers
Provides direct human RCT evidence for blood pressure reduction — a clinically relevant outcome in a population with established hypertension risk. The antihypertensive effect may operate through multiple mechanisms: endothelial protection (via reduced oxidative stress), lipid effects, and potential direct vasodilatory effects of phycocyanin.
Study limitations
Small sample (n=40); single study; effect size is modest; not replicated in large trials.
Related studies
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Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation
Kalafati et al. · 2010
Spirulina and blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Machowiak & Skonieczna-Zydecka · 2021
C-phycocyanin: a biliprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects
Romay et al. · 2003
New research, when it matters
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