Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has Rapid Effects on the Circulation and Function of Immune Cells in Humans

Gitte S. Jensen, PhD,*1 Donald I. Ginsberg, 1 Patricia Huerta, 1 Monica Citton, 1 Christian Drapeau, MS2 1Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
2Research and Development, Cell Tech, Klamath Falls, Oregon

JANA vol. 2 (3): 50-58

ABSTRACT

Objective: To examine the short-term effects of consumption of a moderate amount (1.5 grams) of the blue green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), on the immune system.

Methods: Using a crossover, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind design, 21 volunteers were studied, including 5 long-term AFA consumers.

Results: Consumption of a moderate amount (1.5 grams) of the blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae results in rapid changes in immune cell trafficking. Two hours after AFA consumption, a generalized mobilization of lymphocytes and monocytes, but not polymorph nucleated cells, was observed. This included increases in CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell subsets and CD19+ B cells. In addition, the relative proportions and absolute numbers of natural killer (NK) cells were reduced after AFA consumption. No changes were observed in the relative proportions of naïve versus memory T cells, neither in the CD4 nor the CD8 fractions. A mild but significant reduction in phagocytic activity was observed for polymorph nucleated cells. When freshly purified lymphocytes were exposed to AFA extract in vitro, direct activation was not induced, as evaluated by tyrosine phosphorylation and proliferative activity.

Discussion: The changes in immune cell trafficking displayed a high degree of cell specificity. Long-term consumers responded stronger with respect to altered immune cell trafficking. In vitro, AFA did not induce a direct activation of lymphocytes. These data support a signaling pathway from gut to CNS to lymphoid tissue. The signals from CNS may be crucial for the rapid changes in the general distribution and specific recruitment we observed. Moderate anti-inflammatory modulation may account for the modification of phagocytic activity.

Conclusion: Consumption of AFA leads to rapid changes in immune cell trafficking, but not direct activation of lymphocytes. Thus, AFA increases the immune surveillance without directly stimulating the immune system.

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TESTIMONIES

"We are so excited about the Bluegree Body Algae. We´ve seen some real benefits for the immune systems of animals. We had a 12 year old dog brought into the clinic who had been hit by a car. We decided to start him eating Bluegreen Body and the Enzymes. The dog had to be in a splint for 3 weeks. Every week when he came in to be checked he was looking better and better. His condition and haircut were improving. By the third week his owner was so impressed she started using the same supplements. The dog´s attitude is wonderful. The day he was brought in he bit one of the techs and he didn´t want anyone to do anything to him. After a couple of days, even though he was still very sore, there was a major improvement in his behavior. Now when he comes in he even kisses everyone. We also do short nail clips for show dogs. I decided to try sprinkling algae on nails that we quickened to see its effect. It did a wonderful job - so we have switched!"
- Dr. Ron Bowen, DVM and Dr. Debby Dowen, DVM
Chicago, Illinois