Friday Hope: Spirulina: Potent Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cytokine Storm

May also help those with Long COVID.

Since I believe the evidence now clearly shows that any exposure to the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 can be harmful, I have begun a search for therapeutics which not only mitigate the disease of COVID but also prevent infection of SARS-CoV-2. One such therapeutic I have discovered is Spirulina. 

First, let us discuss what Spirulina is and a bit of its history. 

Spirulina or Arthrospira is a blue-green alga that became famous after it was successfully used by NASA as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions. It has the ability to modulate immune functions and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Multiple studies investigating the efficacy and the potential clinical applications of Spirulina in treating several diseases have been performed and a few randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that this alga may improve several symptoms and may even have an anticancer, antiviral and antiallergic effects. Current and potential clinical applications, issues of safety, indications, side-effects and levels of evidence are addressed in this review. Areas of ongoing and future research are also discussed. 

Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136577/ 

So, right away we can understand why Spirulina should be of interest in relation to all things Spike and COVID related. It inhibits the release of histamine by Mast Cells. This is a well-known hallmark of COVID. It may also play a large role in Long COVID. 

Hyper-inflammation caused by COVID-19 may be mediated by mast cell activation (MCA) which has also been hypothesized to cause Long-COVID (LC) symptoms. We determined prevalence/severity of MCA symptoms in LC. 

Mast cell activation symptoms are prevalent in Long-COVID 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8459548/ 

Indeed, when investigated in the context of COVID, Spirulina has been found to have profoundly beneficial effects. 

In this study, we exposed macrophages and monocytes activated by the pathogenic stimulator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to different doses of Spirulina extracts, cultivated in either full-range solar spectrum or controlled light conditions. We report that an aqueous extract of a photosynthetically controlled Spirulina (LED Spirulina) inhibits TNF-α secretion by over 70% from LPS-activated macrophages and over 40% from LPS-activated monocyte cells. 

Photosynthetically Controlled Spirulina, but Not Solar Spirulina, Inhibits TNF-α Secretion: Potential Implications for COVID-19-Related Cytokine Storm Therapy 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10126-021-10020-z 

Additionally, Spirulina also appears to have the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection directly. 

Taken together, the data provided by this work shows that both dry C. vulgaris and S. maxima powders are potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Fucoidan showed antiviral activity in some of our experiments and should not be disregarded especially considering the recent evidence of mitochondrial membrane potential recovery. Further characterization is needed to identify the specific agents of each alga responsible for the antiviral activity and their action mechanism. Finally, the results of the present investigation suggest that these algae may have potential use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections; however, further research, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to support this assumption. 

In Vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Dry Algae Powders 
https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1416575/v1 

Surprise! Surprise! Of course, mainstream medical sites would like us to think otherwise... 

Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and have antiviral and anticancer properties. However, there is no proof that spirulina has these, or any, benefits in people. More research is needed. 

Spirulina 
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/spirulina 

I believe the evidence presented in the above papers shows that, at the very least, Spirulina needs to be investigated further and shows great promise in helping those with COVID, Long COVID and Spike Protein Disease. It additionally shows great promise in inhibiting infection with SARS-CoV-2. 

The above is not medical advice. As with all medicines and supplements, discuss with your Primary Care Provider before taking any medicines or supplements. 

As always, thank you for your support. I wish all a blessed and joyous weekend.