Isolation of Three High Molecular Weight Polysaccharide Preparations with Potent Immunostimulatory Activity from Spirulina platensis, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Planta Med 67 (2001) 737-742

Author(s): Nirmal Pugh, Samir A. Ross, Hala N. Elsohly, Mahmoun A. ElSohly, David S. Pasco

ABSTRACT

This research describes the identification of three new high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations isolated from food-grade micro algae that are potent activators of human monocytes/macrophages: "immuline" from Spirulina platensis "Immunon" from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae; and "Immurella" from Chlorella pyrenoidosa. These polysaccharides are structurally complex and have estimated molecular weights above ten million Daltons. All three polysaccharides are highly water soluble and comprise between 0.5% and 2.0% of micro algal dry weight. Immunostimulatory activity was measured using transcription factor-based bioassay for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activation in THP-1 human monocytes/macrophages. Using this system the EC50 values for these micro algal polysaccharides are between 20 and 110 ng/ml (about 10pM). THP-1 activation was confirmed by measuring immune cytokine mRNA induction using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Each polysaccharide substantially increased mRNA levels of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a). The polysaccharides are between one hundred and one thousand times more active for in vitro monocyte activation than polysaccharides preparation that are currently used clinically for cancer immunotherapy.

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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