Spirulinae Platensis Herba
Aliases：Bǐ Liè (also known as "Biri" in Chadian pronunciation), Tè Cuì Tè Lā Tuō Er (also known as "Tecuitlal" in Mexican Aztec pronunciation).
Luó Xuán Zǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the algal body of Spirulina platensis (Notdst.) Geitl. and other related species of the genus Spirulina (family Oscillatoriaceae). Spirulina is a lower plant belonging to the phylum Cyanophyta (blue-green algae). Its cells lack a true nucleus, hence it is also known as cyanobacteria, and it is one of the earliest photosynthetic organisms on Earth.
Efficacy & Actions
Strengthens the Spleen, supplements Qi, dispels dampness, and resolves phlegm.
Indications
Indicated for Spleen Qi deficiency manifesting as dizziness, vertigo, mental fatigue and lassitude, poor appetite, loose stools, iron deficiency anemia, and hyperlipidemia. It may also be used for debility after illness, malnutrition, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and as adjunctive therapy for immune dysfunction induced by tumor chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunomodulatory effects: Enhances cellular immune function, regulates humoral immune function, and promotes non-specific immune function. Antitumor effects: Exhibits antitumor activity and can be used as adjunctive therapy for cancer. Lipid-lowering effects: γ-Linolenic acid and lipophilic components of spirulina inhibit the key enzyme for hepatic cholesterol synthesis and reduce low-density lipoprotein accumulation. Antioxidant effects: Exhibits antioxidant activity. Hepatoprotective effects: Provides protective effects on the liver. Anti-radiation effects: Exhibits anti-radiation effects. Antibacterial effects: Exhibits antibacterial activity. Hypoglycemic effects: Exhibits blood glucose-lowering effects. Anti-fatigue effects: Exhibits anti-fatigue effects. Cardiocerebrovascular protection: Exhibits protective effects on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.
Ingredients
Proteins: Content as high as 50%–70%, primarily composed of isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Lipids: Contains unsaturated fatty acids such as γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. Carbohydrates: Spirulina polysaccharides are the main form of carbohydrates, accounting for 14%–16% of dry weight. Vitamins: Vitamins A, B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂, E, nicotinic acid, creatine, calcium pantothenate, folic acid, and others. Carotenoids: Including β-carotene, zeaxanthin, echinenone, and others. Pigments: Phycocyanin and phycobiliproteins. Inorganic elements: Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements including iron, cobalt, manganese, nickel, chromium, vanadium, zinc, selenium, and copper.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: Mostly prepared as tablets, capsules, pills, oral liquids, and other dosage forms. Spirulina tablets: Oral administration, 3–5 tablets each time (specification 0.35 g) or 4–8 tablets each time (specification 0.2 g), three times daily. Spirulina capsules: Oral administration, 2–4 capsules each time, three times daily. It is recommended to take before meals. For external use: Apply an appropriate amount.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in those allergic to spirulina or algal components. Use with caution or avoid in patients with gout—spirulina contains relatively high purine content, which may increase uric acid levels and aggravate the condition. Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism—spirulina contains relatively high iodine content. Use with caution in those with deficiency-cold constitution—spirulina is cool in nature. Not suitable for patients with acute gastroenteritis during the diarrhea phase—spirulina has a laxative effect and may worsen the condition. Use with caution in patients with hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and renal failure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use under the guidance of a physician. Children should use under the guidance of a physician. Avoid greasy foods. Avoid long-term, high-dose use—as an algal organism, spirulina easily accumulates metals from water; long-term use may lead to metal excess or heavy metal poisoning.
Selected Formulas
For nutritional anemia (New Chinese Herbal Medicines and Clinical Pharmacology) Take dried spirulina powder, fill into capsules, each containing 0.2g. Take 5–6 capsules each time, three times daily. For hyperlipidemia (Traditional Chinese Medicine Information) Take 30g of spirulina and 60g of flour to make instant noodles. Take once daily for 4 consecutive weeks.
Daily Consumption
Spirulina powder: It can be dissolved directly in water for drinking, or mixed into yogurt and fruit juice for consumption. The recommended daily intake should not exceed 10 g.
Medicinal Parts
Algal body (dried algal body).
Selection & Storage
Keep sealed, protect from light, protect from moisture, and store in a cool, dry place.
