Evidence supporting the use of: Spirulina
For the health condition: Triglycerides (high)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has been investigated in several scientific studies for its potential to lower elevated triglyceride levels. Clinical trials and animal studies suggest that spirulina supplementation may help reduce serum triglycerides, possibly due to its high content of phycocyanin, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. For instance, a 2008 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in "Lipids in Health and Disease" found that subjects with high cholesterol who took 4.5 grams of spirulina daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in triglyceride levels compared to placebo. Other studies have shown similar trends, with decreases in triglycerides ranging from 10% to 20% after several weeks of supplementation.
The proposed mechanisms include the modulation of lipid metabolism, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Spirulina’s polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds may inhibit intestinal absorption of fats or enhance their breakdown. However, while results are promising, most studies have limitations such as small sample sizes, short durations, or lack of standardized spirulina preparations.
Overall, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the use of spirulina for high triglycerides, but more large-scale, long-term studies are needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal dosing. Spirulina is not traditionally used in herbal medicine specifically for triglycerides, but its scientific profile makes it a reasonable adjunctive option under medical supervision.
Other ingredients used for Triglycerides (high)
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anchovies
anthocyanins
apple
arjun tree
artichoke
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
banaba
beet
berberine
bergamot
Beta-Glucan
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blueberry
broccoli
calamari oil
canola oil
catechins
chia seed
chokeberry
choline
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
daidzin
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish protein
flaxseed
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
genistein
genistin
glucomannan
grape
grapefruit
green tea
guar gum
guggul
hawthorn
hesperetin
hibiscus
inulin
knotweed
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-carnitine
l-taurine
lecithin
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
lycopene
mackerel
magnesium
maqui berry
matcha
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
oat
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-7 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
palmitoleic acid
pantethine
perilla
phospholipids
pine bark
plant sterols
pomegranate
pomelo
quercetin
quinoa
red yeast rice
resveratrol
safflower oil
sardines
silymarin
black ginger
soybean
spirulina
sterols
stevia
strawberry
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
trimethylglycine (TMG)
almond fruit
ubiquinol
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
lingzhi
sunflower
yerba mate
goji berry
amaranth
kidney beans
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
4-hydroxyisoleucine
Arjuna
Aronia melanocarpa
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Alpha phytosterol
Algal protein
Arjunic Acid
Algalin
Alliin
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Arjunolic acid
Buglossoides arvensis
Brutieridin
Brassica
Brazil nut
Buckwheat
Bottle gourd
California chia
Cardarine
Chitosan
Camelina Oil
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Cashew
Cyanidin
chlorogenic acid
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Capsiate
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Calanus finmarchicus
Crocetin
corosolic acid
Crypthecodinium
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Daidzein
Dragon Fruit
Diosgenin
Eriocitrin
Emblicanin
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Echium
Ecklonia
Isoflavones
Pistachio
Soy Protein
walnut
Other health conditions supported by spirulina
AnemiaArthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemical Poisoning
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colitis
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Environmental Pollution
Exercise
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Lead Poisoning
Liver Detoxification
Measles
Memory and Brain Function
Mercury Poisoning
Metabolic Syndrome
Multiple Sclerosis
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Psoriasis
Radiation Sickness
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
Products containing spirulina
Nature's Sunshine Cellular Detox (Formerly All Cell Detox)
Nature's Sunshine CA (ATC)
Nature's Sunshine Gaba Plus
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Spirulina
Nature's Sunshine Super Algae
Nature's Sunshine Target TS-II Formula
Nature's Sunshine Thyroid Activator®
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine TS II (With Hops)
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate GreenZone
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Greenzone