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Compound

Spirulina

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Spirulina. Blue-green algae — protein-rich with phycocyanin antioxidant and immune effects.

How it works. Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2; rich in protein, B-vitamins, and trace minerals.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Lowers LDL and BP modestly (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1–10 g/d.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Spirulina. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Spirulina. Blue-green algae — protein-rich with phycocyanin antioxidant and immune effects.

Key compound: phycocyanobilinC33H38N4O6 · 586.7 g/mol

What it is

Blue-green algae — protein-rich with phycocyanin antioxidant and immune effects.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

AntioxidantsImmune Function (alias)General Wellness

How it works

Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2; rich in protein, B-vitamins, and trace minerals.

Pathways

  • Phycocyanin inhibits COX-2
  • rich in protein, B-vitamins
  • and trace minerals

Effects

  • ↓LDL and BP modestly decreases
  • ↓allergic rhinitis symptoms decreases

What the research supports

Lowers LDL and BP modestlymoderate
Reduces allergic rhinitis symptomslimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1–10 g/d
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Spirulina use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Spirulina — Lowers LDL and BP modestly ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "Lowers LDL and BP modestly". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Spirulina — Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "Reduces allergic rhinitis symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Spirulina — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Spirulina and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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