Evidence supporting the use of: Algae
For the health condition: Circulation (to the brain)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Algae, particularly species such as Spirulina and Chlorella, have been investigated for their potential to support circulation, including cerebral (brain) blood flow. The scientific interest in algae for circulation arises from their rich content of bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids (notably in marine microalgae), phycocyanin, antioxidants, and certain peptides. These compounds have documented effects on vascular health, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, which theoretically could support better blood flow and reduce risk factors for cerebrovascular compromise.
Some preclinical and small-scale human studies suggest that algae-derived supplements may help lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles. For example, a few clinical trials have shown that Spirulina supplementation can modestly reduce blood pressure in hypertensive adults, which could indirectly benefit cerebral circulation. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) found in certain algal oils are known to support vascular function, although direct evidence for improved brain circulation is sparse.
However, there is a lack of robust, large-scale clinical trials specifically linking algae supplementation with improved cerebral circulation or cognitive outcomes in humans. Most evidence is indirect, extrapolating from general cardiovascular benefits. Thus, while the use of algae for circulation has some scientific basis, especially regarding cardiovascular risk factors, direct evidence for brain-specific circulatory benefits is limited, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Circulation (to the brain)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dioneAcetyl L-carnitine
Algae
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
bacoside
beet
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
butylphthalide
caffeine
capillary artemisia
cocoa
Curcuminoid
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavanols
flavonoids
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginkgo flavone glycoside
ginkgoheteroside
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
grape
green tea
Ligusticum
Ligustrazin
lumbrokinase
omega-3 fatty acids
pine bark
pomegranate
Pycnogenol
quercetin
resveratrol
rutin
turmeric
Vincamine
Vinpocetine
Xanthophyll
Xantinol Nicotinate
Other health conditions supported by Algae
Aging (prevention)Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Body Building
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Debility
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Ulcers
Weight Loss
Wounds and Sores
Alzheimer's Disease
Circulation (to the brain)
Fatty Liver Disease
Goiter
Hangover
Hepatitis
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Cardiovascular Disease
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Diarrhea
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Macular Degeneration
Metabolic Syndrome
