Red
Algae
Many claims have been made for the effectiveness of seaweeds
on human health. It has been suggested, amongst other things,
that seaweeds have curative powers for tuberculosis, arthritis,
colds and influenza, worm infestations, and may even improve
one's attractiveness to the opposite sex. Red marine algae,
referred to as 'superfood', is noted to be a source of nutrients
and botanically based medicines.
Research on antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae indicate
a high potential for low-cost, broad spectrum antiviral agents.
Further research in the family of Dumontiaceae produced two
patents where clinical efficacy for herpes I and II was clearly
shown. The treatment was effective for treating subjects (e.g.
human patients) both prior to and subsequent to herpes infection.
It was used topically to alleviate symptoms associated with
herpes infections or preferably systemic, by oral administration,
to eradicate the virus and thereby prevent symptom recurrence.
No side effects or toxicity were noted. This treatment, which
now must be considered alternative, suggests a breakthrough
in the discovery of natural immunomodulatory and antiviral
agents.
Recent research and gathering of anecdotal evidence on the
health benefits and antiherpetic action of the red marine alga,
Dumontiaceae, has yielded much promise. Its use as a topical
has been further documented and thought superior to acyclovir.
It was shown to be clinically effective against herpes zoster
infections as well. Anecdotal reports from patients suffering
from Epstein Barr (another herpes virus) and Candida have shown
marked improvement in a short period of time through oral administration
(systemic).
General health benefits show red marine algae useful in weight-loss
programs and for lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood.
It contains soothing, mucilaginous gels such as algin, carregeenan,
and agar, which specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal
tract. Once thought of as a liability that blocked assimilation,
the tough cell wall in Dumontiaceae has been found to be invaluable.
It binds with heavy metal, pesticides, and carcinogens, and
carries these toxins safely out of the body. Contained within
the cell walls are polysaccharides, which are a complex of
simple sugars. These long chained complex sugars stimulate
interferon production as well as other anti-tumor and immune-
enhancing activity (improving activity of T- and B-cells).
Other compounds in the cell wall are related to those found
in friendly bacteria which fortify and
According to Elson Haas, M.D., co-author of Vitamins for Dummies
(IDG, 1999), algin-rich kelp binds lead and other heavy metals
and removes them from the body. Kelp's high calcium content
may also reduce the amount of toxic metals that are absorbed.
But kelp isn't the only seaweed capable of combating heavy
metals. The polysaccharides found in red marine algae, particularly
Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), are also thought to bind and
eliminate heavy metals. Better yet, red marine algae has antibiotic
and immune-boosting properties, which help protect our bodies
from invading toxins. strengthen our immune systems to fight
against invading organisms and toxins.
One variety of red seaweed, Porcheria hornaminyahae, was tested
in the mid-1980s by the National Cancer Institute and was found
to contain a chemical that killed cancer cells. An in vitro
study conducted at the Sapporo Medical University School of
Medicine in Japan found that the holdfasts of kelp contain
L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Although L-tryptohphan
is not normally thought of as a cancer cure, the researchers
found that the L-tryptophan derived from kelp inhibited breast
cancer.
What's more, seaweed has been found to inhibit the formation
of tumors. A test of 306 species of marine algae at Saga University
in Karatsu, Japan, found forty-seven varieties that demonstrated
strong anti-tumor activity. And a French study found that one
of the sea lettuces, green laver (Ulva lactuca), provides oligosaccharides,
which may stop the multiplication of cancerous cells. Although
the study of seaweed's anti-tumor activity is in its infancy,
there are a few commonly eaten seaweeds that show potential.
Japanese researchers have discovered that hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis)
seems to stimulate T cells, the body's natural killer cells.
And other Japanese studies show that non and wakame may have
the ability to suppress chemically induced tumors. According
to Alfred A. Bushway, Ph.D., professor of food science at the
University of Maine, seaweed's potential cancer fighting abilities
may be due to its high concentration of sodium alginate, "but
this is a research area that needs to be more fully explored," he
says.
Showing Anticancer Promise
William Gerwick’s (a professor of Pharmacy at Oregon
State University) work has helped identify and patent at least
four new anticancer-type substances from blue-green algae:
- Curacin
A inhibits cancer by binding to certain cell receptors so
that the cancer cells cannot replicate themselves.
- Dolastatin
10 is undergoing National Cancer Institute-supported trials
against a variety of solid tumors. Dolastatin
10 was judged to be “one
of the most potent anticancer agents in vitro;” initial reports of
phase I clinical testing showed that the compound “has potent activity” against
small-cell lung cancer, and other research has found that the chemical
has potential for treatment of leukemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
- Cryptophycin
is a by-product of algae metabolism that was first described
as an antifungal compound and later
shown to possess phenomenal anticancer
properties. It is currently in phase II clinical trials against several
common tumor types.
One study, reported in The Journal of Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology,
found cryptophycin to be “significantly more potent and less
sensitive to multidrug resistance mechanisms than other antimitotic
antitumor agents
currently used
in cancer therapy.”
- Tolytoxin
and related scytophycins are substances which inhibit cancer
cell proliferation by novel mechanisms. One of several new algal-based
compounds, Curacin A is showing promise as a possible cancer treatment.
May 2000
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Although
the effects of long term use of an alternative treatment such
as the red marine alga, Dumontiaceae, has not been clinically
substantiated, edible
seaweeds have been consumed for thousands of years and are considered safe,
nutritious, and beneficial. The added dimension that science has uncovered
surrounding its
antiviral and immunomodulatory potential; opens up a whole new source of food
that could serve to palliate or even hopefully cure virally caused diseases.
Since most life derived from the sea, the novel idea that the ocean lies untapped
as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource is entirely possible and may be
critical to our human survival.
References:
1. Baba et. al., "Mechanism of inhibitory effect of dextran sulfate and
heparin in replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro." Proc
Natl. Acad. Sci 85:6132-6136. 1988
2. Barbul, A. et al., "Arginine stimulates lymphocyte immune response
in healthy human beings. Surgery 90: pp 244-251. 1984
3. Cole and Sheath, (Ed.), Biology of the Red Algae, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 1990.
4. Dieg et. al., "Inhibition of herpes virus replication by marine algae
extracts," Anitimicrb. Ag. Chemother. 6:524-525. 1974
5. Dieg et. al., "Evaluation of extracts of marine algae for antiviral activity
in experimental herpes simplex infections of infant mice." In Fifty-second
Technical Progress Report, Section 4, Naval Biosciences Laboratory, School
of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. 1977
6. Dieg et. al., "Development of dermal lesions in adult mice infected with
herpes simplex virus: application of the model in the evaluation of antiherpesvirus
substance from marine algae." Office of Naval Research, University of
California Sea Grant Program. Unpublished.
7. Ehresmann et al., "Antiviral properties of algal polysaccharides and
related compounds," In H. A. Hoppe et. al., (ed.), Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical
Science, W. de Gruyter, N. Y.: 293-302. 1979 8. Ehresmann, et. al, "Antiviral
substances from California marine algae," J. Phycol. 13: 37-40. 1979
9. Gonzales et. al., "Polysaccharides as antiviral agents: antiviral activity
of carrageenan," Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 31: 1388-1393.
1987
10. Hallinan et. al., "Inhibition of reverse transcriptase by polyvinyl
sulfate (PVS)," Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 98:97-101. 1981
11. Hatch et. al., "Chemical characterization and therapeutic evaluation
of anti Herpes virus polysaccharides from species of Dumontiaceae," In
H. A. Hoppe et. al., (ed.) Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical Science W. de Gruyter,
N. Y. 346-363. 1979
12. Mitsuya et. al., 1988 "Dextran sulfate suppression of viruses in the
HIV family: inhibition of virion binding to CD4 and cells," Science 240:646-649.
1988
13. Nakashima et. al., "Antiretroviral activity in a marine red alga: reverse
transcriptase inhibition by an aqueous extract of Schizymenia pacifica" Journal
Cancer Res. Clin Oncol 113: 413-16. 1987
14. Neushul, "Antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae." Hydrobiologia
204/205:99-104. 1990
15. Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley,
California, 1993
16. Richards et. al., "Antiviral activity of extracts from marine algae," Antimicrob.
Agents Chemother. 14: 24-3-. 1978
17. Schaffrath et. al., "Interactions of glycosaminoglycans with DNA and
RNA synthesizing enzymes invitro," Z. Physiol Chem. 357:499-508. 1976
16. Solomon et. al., "Inhibitory effect of heparin on Rous Sarcoma virus," J.
Bact. 92:1855-56. 1966
18. Straus et al.,, "Suppression of frequently recurring gential herpes" N
Eng J of Medicine, Vol 310 No. 24 pg. 1545-50. 1984
19. Douglas et al., "Acyclovir and Genital Herpes" N Eng J of Medicine,
Vol. 310 No. 24 pg. 1551-56. 1984
20. Thomson and Fowler, "Carrageenan: a review of its effects on the immune
system,: Agents and Actions. 11: 265-273. 1981
21. Ueno and Kuno, "Dextran sulphate, a potent anti-HIV agent in vitro having
synergism with sidovudine," Lancet 1:1379. 1987
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