Spirulina for ALS Treatment?

Spirulina^[1] shows promise as a natural treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), according to preliminary research^[2] from The Open Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Journal. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that the blue-green algae may help salvage dying nerve cells in ALS patients.

ALS is known to attack nerve cells involved in controlling voluntary muscles. Often marked by muscle problems like trouble walking or writing, ALS can eventually lead to complete loss of movement and an inability to breathe. By fighting free radicals^[3] and inflammation^[4], spirulina may help protect nerve cells, slow the progression of ALS, and delay the onset of ALS symptoms. However, more research is needed before the antioxidant^[5]-rich supplement can be considered a possible treatment for ALS.

To date, there is little scientific support for spirulina’s effectiveness in treatment of any condition. However, some research indicates that spirulina may help improve allergy^[6] symptoms and reduce blood-fat levels in people with diabetes^[7].

References^{^} Spirulina (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} research (bentham.org)^{^} free radicals (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} inflammation (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} antioxidant (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} allergy (altmedicine.about.com)^{^} diabetes (altmedicine.about.com)