Spirulina (blue-green algae)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Spirulina (blue-green algae). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Spirulina (blue-green algae). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
| Title | Spirulina (blue-green algae) |
|---|---|
| Authors | Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium |
| Abstract | Spirulina refers to various species of blue-green algae found naturally in lakes and grown commercially. It is used as a food colouring and is taken orally as a nutritional supplement in tablet, capsule or dried powder form. It is claimed to have immune-stimulating effects and to be beneficial in a wide range of diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral infections and cancer. Effects on the immune system have been observed in pre-clinical studies and small trials in healthy volunteers and possible protective effects against chemotherapy toxicity have been reported in animal models. One small clinical trial in leukoplakia reported better response (improvement of lesions) to a year’s treatment with spirulina than to placebo. Few adverse effects have been reported with spirulina products. Some blue-algae products have been found to be contaminated with hepatotoxic microcystins and will not be as safe as pure spirulina supplements. Evidence of beneficial effects in cancer is extremely limited but spirulina is generally well-tolerated. Reliable evidence on safety in pregnancy and breast-feeding is not available. |
| Year | 2013 |
| Publisher | National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB) |
| Place of publication | CAM-Cancer Database |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 2013 |
| Web address (URL) | http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Herbal-products/Spirulina-blue-green-algae |
Searching for real-world effectiveness versus efficacy of healthcare innovations: the case of social prescribing for diabetes
Polley, M.J., Loef, M. and Pilkington, K. 2017. Searching for real-world effectiveness versus efficacy of healthcare innovations: the case of social prescribing for diabetes. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 19 (2) e20. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6431
Working with people affected by cancer –mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2016. Working with people affected by cancer –mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. Society for Integrative Oncology 13th International Conference. Miami, Florida, USA 05 - 07 Nov 2016
Barriers to working with people affected by cancer: Preliminary qualitative data from a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2015. Barriers to working with people affected by cancer: Preliminary qualitative data from a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 7 (6), p. 681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.009
Working with people affected by cancer – Phase 1 of a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2014. Working with people affected by cancer – Phase 1 of a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 6 (5), pp. 613-614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2014.07.010
Artemisia absinthium
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2014. Artemisia absinthium. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
Quality of reporting in systematic reviews of adverse events: systematic review
Zorzela, L., Golder, S., Liu, Y., Pilkington, K., Hartling, L., Joffe, A., Loke, Y. and Vohra, S. 2014. Quality of reporting in systematic reviews of adverse events: systematic review. British Medical Journal. 348, p. f7668. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7668
Understanding the professional characteristics, needs and experience of nutritional therapy practitioners working with cancer patients
Granger, C.A., Polley, M.J., Pilkington, K. and Draper, A. 2013. Understanding the professional characteristics, needs and experience of nutritional therapy practitioners working with cancer patients. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 5 (6), p. 579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2013.08.018
Acupuncture therapy for psychiatric illness
Pilkington, K. 2013. Acupuncture therapy for psychiatric illness. International Review of Neurobiology. 111, pp. 197-216. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-411545-3.00010-9
Melatonin in cancer treatment (protocol)
Wolf, E., Milazzo, S., Pilkington, K., Liu, J.P., Zwahlen, M. and Horneber, M. 2013. Melatonin in cancer treatment (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 10, p. CD010145. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010145
Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low-back pain (protocol)
Wieland, L.S., Skoetz, N., Manheimer, E., Pilkington, K., Vempati, R. and Berman, B.M. 2013. Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low-back pain (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 7, p. CD010671. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010671
Complementary and alternative therapies
Pilkington, K. and Rampes, H. 2013. Complementary and alternative therapies. in: Norman, I.J. and Ryrie, I. (ed.) The art and science of mental health nursing. 3rd edition Open University Press. pp. 442-455
Yoga
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Yoga. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Pomegranate (Punica granatum). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
State of mind
Pilkington, K. 2013. State of mind. International Therapist. 105, pp. 14-16.
Chinese herbal medicine and depression: the research evidence
Butler, L. and Pilkington, K. 2013. Chinese herbal medicine and depression: the research evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013 739716. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/739716
Editorial: Building the evidence for CAM—30 years on
Robinson, N., Newman-Turner, R. and Pilkington, K. 2013. Editorial: Building the evidence for CAM—30 years on. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 5 (6), pp. 465-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2013.10.003
Lavender and sleep: a systematic review of the evidence
Fismer, K.L. and Pilkington, K. 2012. Lavender and sleep: a systematic review of the evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 4 (4), pp. e436-e447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2012.08.001
A detailed investigation into yoga interventions used in clinical trials
Azimian, N. and Pilkington, K. 2012. A detailed investigation into yoga interventions used in clinical trials. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 4 (3), pp. e355-e356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2012.06.010
Complementary medicine and safety: a systematic investigation of design and reporting of systematic reviews
Pilkington, K. and Boshnakova, A. 2012. Complementary medicine and safety: a systematic investigation of design and reporting of systematic reviews. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 20 (1-2), pp. 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2011.10.002
Ozone therapy
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Ozone therapy. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).
Echinacea spp
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Echinacea spp. CAM-Cancer Database CAM-Cancer Consortium (Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer).
The International Collaboration on Complementary Therapy Resources (ICCR): working together to improve online CAM information
Pilkington, K., Gamst, A., Liu, I., Ostermann, T., Pinto, D. and Richardson, J. 2011. The International Collaboration on Complementary Therapy Resources (ICCR): working together to improve online CAM information. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 17 (7), pp. 647-653. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0138
A systematic review to assess the evidence of the positive and negative effects of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of depression
Butler, L. and Pilkington, K. 2011. A systematic review to assess the evidence of the positive and negative effects of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of depression. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 3 (2), pp. e111-e112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2011.04.011
Where and how to find data on safety: what do systematic reviews of complementary therapies tell us?
Pilkington, K. and Boshnakova, A. 2011. Where and how to find data on safety: what do systematic reviews of complementary therapies tell us? 19th Cochrane Colloquium. Madrid 19th - 22nd October 2011
Anxiety, depression and acupuncture: a review of the clinical research
Pilkington, K. 2010. Anxiety, depression and acupuncture: a review of the clinical research. Autonomic Neuroscience. 157 (1-2), pp. 91-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.04.002
Self care and CAM: defining the differences, recognising the similarities
Pilkington, K. 2009. Self care and CAM: defining the differences, recognising the similarities. Journal of Holistic Healthcare. 6 (2), pp. 29-34.
Expansion of systematic reviews to improve clinical practice and research
Fønnebø, V., Aickin, M., Verhoef, M., Horneber, M., Alræk, T. and Pilkington, K. 2009. Expansion of systematic reviews to improve clinical practice and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 15 (3), p. 3085.
Navigating the Web-based world of complementary and alternative medicine information: North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Pilkington, K. 2009. Navigating the Web-based world of complementary and alternative medicine information: North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Integrative Medicine: a clinician's journal. 8 (2), p. 53.
Complementary and alternative therapies
Pilkington, K. and Rampes, H. 2009. Complementary and alternative therapies. in: Norman, I.J. and Ryrie, I. (ed.) The art and science of mental health nursing. 2nd edition Open University Press.
Workshop - Navigating the web-based world of complementary and alternative information
Pilkington, K. 2009. Workshop - Navigating the web-based world of complementary and alternative information. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 15 (4), pp. 446-458. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.1503-A
Complementary therapies for depression: what is the evidence and how does it compare with the advice? Proceedings of the UKCPA Spring Meeting 2007
Pilkington, K. 2008. Complementary therapies for depression: what is the evidence and how does it compare with the advice? Proceedings of the UKCPA Spring Meeting 2007. Pharmacy World and Science. 30 (5), pp. 622-623. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-008-9199-2
Diabetes and complementary therapies: mapping the evidence
Pilkington, K., Stenhouse, E., Kirkwood, G. and Richardson, J. 2007. Diabetes and complementary therapies: mapping the evidence. Practical Diabetes International. 24 (7), pp. 371-376. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.1150
An overview of research on complementary therapies in life-limiting conditions
Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2007. An overview of research on complementary therapies in life-limiting conditions. Nursing Times. 103 (32), pp. 32-33.
Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic literature review
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Cummings, M. and Richardson, J. 2007. Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic literature review. Acupuncture in Medicine. 25 (1-2), pp. 1-10.
Searching for CAM evidence: an evaluation of therapy-specific search strategies
Pilkington, K. 2007. Searching for CAM evidence: an evaluation of therapy-specific search strategies. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 13 (4), pp. 451-459. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.6308
Evaluating complementary therapies
Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2007. Evaluating complementary therapies. in: Barraclough, J. (ed.) Enhancing cancer care: complementary therapy and support Oxford Oxford University Press.
St John's wort for depression: time for a different perspective?
Pilkington, K., Boshnakova, A. and Richardson, J. 2006. St John's wort for depression: time for a different perspective? Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 14 (4), pp. 268-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2006.01.003
Complementary medicine for depression
Pilkington, K., Rampes, H. and Richardson, J. 2006. Complementary medicine for depression. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 6 (1), pp. 1741-1751. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.6.11.1741
Homeopathy for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of the research
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Fisher, P. and Richardson, J. 2006. Homeopathy for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of the research. Homeopathy. 95 (3), pp. 151-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2006.05.005
Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review of effectiveness and methodology related to hypnosis interventions
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McCall, G. and Pilkington, K. 2006. Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review of effectiveness and methodology related to hypnosis interventions. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 31 (1), pp. 70-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2005.06.010
Yoga for depression: the research evidence
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H. and Richardson, J. 2005. Yoga for depression: the research evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders. 89 (1-3), pp. 13-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.08.013
Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence
Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Tuffrey, V., Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (12), pp. 884-891. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.018069
Mindfulness-based stress reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review
Smith, J.E., Richardson, J., Hoffman, C. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Mindfulness-based stress reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 52 (3), pp. 315-327. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03592.x
Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McIntyre, M., Thomas, R. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review. Clinical Oncology. 17 (6), pp. 478-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2005.04.013
Homeopathy for depression: a systematic review of the research evidence
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Fisher, P. and Richardson, J. 2005. Homeopathy for depression: a systematic review of the research evidence. Homeopathy. 94 (3), pp. 153-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2005.04.003
Complementary and alternative medicine evidence online for cancer
Richardson, J., Pilkington, K. and Thomas, R. 2005. Complementary and alternative medicine evidence online for cancer. British Journal of Cancer Management. 2 (2), pp. 9-11.
The long and winding road: tracking down the evidence on CAM in cancer
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2005. The long and winding road: tracking down the evidence on CAM in cancer. NCRI Cancer Conference. Birmingham, UK 02-05 Oct 2005
"No language restrictions" in database searches: what does this really mean?
Pilkington, K., Boshnakova, A., Clarke, M. and Richardson, J. 2005. "No language restrictions" in database searches: what does this really mean? Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 11 (1), pp. 205-207.
Exploring the evidence: the challenges of searching for research on acupuncture
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2004. Exploring the evidence: the challenges of searching for research on acupuncture. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 10 (3), pp. 587-590.
Developing CAMEO (CAM Evidence Online) for cancer
Pilkington, K., Smith, J.E. and Richardson, J. 2004. Developing CAMEO (CAM Evidence Online) for cancer. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 9 (1), p. 39.
Evidence-based complementary (and alternative) medicine on the internet
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2003. Evidence-based complementary (and alternative) medicine on the internet. Health Information on the Internet. 34, pp. 7-9.
Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use?
Richardson, J., Jones, C. and Pilkington, K. 2001. Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use? Professional Nurse. 17 (2), pp. 96-99.
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