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by Nutritional Outlook
December 10, 2001
Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted with permission from Nutritional Outlook.
A dietary supplement originating from freshwater green algae that is more than 2.5 billion years old may relieve some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis.
The healing properties of chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) have been documented in Japan over the past several years. Japanese clinical studies and reports have produced evidence supporting the role of chlorella in the treatment of several chronic illnesses, including cancer.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia conducted a study to further examine the effect of the supplement on certain chronic illnesses. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials were held using 55 subjects with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension, and 9 with ulcerative colitis.
Subjects consumed 10 g of pure chlorella in tablet form and 100 ml of a chlorella liquid extract daily for two or three months. Results showed a reduction of high blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, accelerated wound healing, and enhanced immune functions.
The researchers concluded that current study results in favor of the benefits of chlorella need to be further substantiated by continued research.
Details of the Study Conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia:
CONTEXT: It has been suggested that the consumption of natural "whole
foods" rich in macronutrients has many healthful benefits for those who
otherwise ingest a normal, nonvegetarian diet. One example is dietary
supplements derived from Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a unicellular fresh water green alga rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
OBJECTIVE: To find evidence of the potential of chlorella dietary
supplements to relieve signs and symptoms, improve quality of life, and
normalize body functions in people with chronic illnesses, specifically
fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis.
DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials.
SETTING: Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia.
PATIENTS: Fifty-five subjects with fibromyalgia, 33 with hypertension,
and 9 with ulcerative colitis.
INTERVENTION: Subjects consumed 10 g of pure chlorella in tablet form and
100 mL of a liquid containing an extract of chlorella each day for 2 or 3
months.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For fibromyalgia patients, assessments of pain and
overall quality of life. For hypertensive patients, measurements of
sitting diastolic blood pressure and serum lipid levels. For patients
with ulcerative colitis, determination of state of disease using the
Disease Activity Index.
RESULTS: Daily dietary supplementation with chlorella may reduce high
blood pressure, lower serum cholesterol levels, accelerate wound healing, and enhance immune functions.
CONCLUSIONS: The potential of chlorella to relieve symptoms, improve
quality of life, and normalize body functions in patients with
fibromyalgia, hypertension, or ulcerative colitis suggests that larger,
more comprehensive clinical trials of chlorella are warranted.
Source: R. E. Merchant and C. A. Andre, "A Review of Recent Clinical Trials of the Nutritional Supplement Chlorella Pyrenoidosa in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia, Hypertension, and Ulcerative Colitis," Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 7, no. 3 (May/June 2001): 79–91.
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