Medical uses of algae
Algae have been used for centuries, especially in Asian countries, as a remedy to cure or prevent various physical ailments. Scientific research has established a connection between these nutrient-rich sea plants and the body's immune system response. It all started when intensive studies of marine life began in the 1970s to locate potential sources of pharmacologically active agents (Baba et al. 1988). Researchers found that algae contain a remarkable amount of components valuable for human health. According to Baba (1988), algae are beneficial in the following ways: 1. It is a complete protein with essential amino acids (unlike most plant foods) that are involved in major metabolic processes such as energy and enzyme production.2. It contains high amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates which provide the body with a source of additional fuel. In particular, the sulfated complex carbohydrates are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response.3. It contains an extensive fatty acid profile, including Omega 3 and Omega 6. These essential fatty acids also play a key role in the production of energy.4. It has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in naturally-occurring synergistic design.
Fibromyalgia is another illness that has been researched to show that it can possibly be treated with algae. It is essential that further research be carried out to discover more ways it can be used medicinally. Medicines that boost the body's level of serotonin and nor-epinephrine, among other things, are commonly prescribed (Merchant & Andre 2001). However, researchers have found a better source of PUFAs in algae, specifically Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Ulva. Zhu's study was done to support this idea. At the end of 3 months, individuals were switched to the opposite group, and then treated for an additional 3 months. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials were held using 55 subjects with fibromyalgia. Marine algae, which are a source of potential compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides, are known to have antiviral activity (Baba et al. It was concluded that current study results in favor of the benefits of Chlorella need to be further substantiated by continued research. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, and current treatments are far from completely satisfactory. The drug Acyclovir (ACV) is commonly used for treatment of herpes, but it, like many medications, results in undesirable symptoms (Field & Biron 1994). Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia conducted another study to further examine the effect of the algal supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa on certain chronic illnesses.
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