Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is primarily justified for use in inflammatory bowel disorders (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on emerging scientific evidence, rather than traditional use. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that spirulina possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, likely due to its high content of phycocyanin, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. In animal models of colitis, spirulina supplementation has been shown to decrease inflammatory markers (such as TNF-α and IL-6), reduce oxidative stress, and mitigate histological damage to the colon. These effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and scavenging of free radicals.

However, human clinical evidence is limited. A small number of pilot studies and case reports have suggested potential benefits, including reduced disease activity and improved quality of life in patients with IBD, but these findings are far from definitive. No large-scale randomized controlled trials have yet confirmed spirulina’s efficacy or safety for this indication. Therefore, while the mechanistic rationale and preclinical data are promising, the evidence remains preliminary. Spirulina should not be considered a primary or standalone therapy for IBD but may be explored as a complementary intervention pending further research. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating spirulina into their treatment regimen.

More about spirulina
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Other ingredients used for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

2'-Fucosyllactose
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Acemannan
Akkermansia muciniphila
Algae
algal oil
Aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apigenin
apocynin
arabinoxylan
arctiin
astragalin
avocado
Bacillus
bacillus clausii
Bacillus licheniformis
bacillus subtilis
bacteria
barberry
barley
Basidiomycota
bentonite
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
bioflavonoids
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
Brassica
butternut
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
cannabidiol
casticin
cat's claw
celandine
chamomile
chirata
cichoric acid
citrus pectin
Coptis chinensis
cruciferous
curcumin
dandelion
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
ellagitannin
Enterococcus
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fiber
fish oil
flavans
flaxseed
Frangula
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fucoidan
galactooligosaccharides
Glucosinolates
Glutathione
Glycomacropeptides
Glycosphingolipids
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Humic acid
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
Kaempferol
L-glutamine
L. lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus delbrueckii
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus johnsonii
Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens
Lactobacillus kefiri
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus sakei
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus casei
Lactococcus lactis
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Legume protein
licorice root
luteolin
Marshmallow
Myrosinase
Myrrh
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
N-acetyl-glucosamine
Neoandrographolides
nicotinamide riboside
Oligosaccharides
omega-3 fatty acids
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Pediococcus acidilactici
Pediococcus pentosaceus
Peppermint
phlorotannins
Piperine
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
probiotics
procyanidin
Propionibacterium freudenreichii
psyllium
punarnava
punicalagins
reishi mushroom
rosmarinic acid
Rubia cordifolia
Saccharomyces boulardii
shiitake mushroom
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sulforaphane
Swertia
Taraxasterol
Trametes
tributyrin
Tumerone
turmeric
Urolithin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xylanase
xylooligosaccharides
Zinc