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Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae

Blue Green Algae

Today, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Apb. flos-aquae) enjoys a growing popularity among hundreds of thousands of people who report a wide range of benefits. It was discovered two decades ago growing in wild abundance in a naturally super-productive ecosystem in Oregon. It has come to the attention of medical researchers who are now conducting studies on this unique food to uncover its secrets. Some call it nature's most complete food. Some scoff at its reported benefits. I invite you to read its remarkable story and decide for yourself.

The history of the development of modern medicine is certainly fascinating. Many people assume that the current mainstream medical view is the culmination of centuries of experimentation and knowledge, yielding the best possible understanding of health. Unfortunately, it is not so. Historically, medicine has been the story of opposition between conflicting views regarding health and disease. The path medicine has taken has been determined too often by events and circumstances.

One such event that drastically shaped today's medicine was the acceptance of Pasteur's work over that of Bernard, one of the pioneers in the theory that the whole body, or the terrain, is the determining factor in health. Bernard held that if the terrain is well maintained by proper nutrition and strong immunity, disease will not develop. On the other hand, Pasteur--who provided the evidence of a ubiquitous bacterial world-suggested that the root cause of all disease is the introduction of bacteria into the body, regardless of the terrain.

The discovery of antibiotics, which virtually eliminated tuberculosis and many other epidemics of infectious diseases, consecrated the supremacy of Pasteur's "bacteria" approach over Bernard's more realistic but less popular "terrain" approach. While antibiotics have been a good solution to numerous threatening diseases, experience has shown that they are far from the answer to all problems. The antibacterial model has skewed our vision of health by making us think in terms of eliminating disease rather than regaining and maintaining health. It has generated an "anti" medicine culture that thinks exclusively of health in terms of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressive, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, and other anti- solutions.

Integrative medicine, the science of assisting the body in its natural healing process, has demonstrated that long-lasting, radiant health can be maintained only by looking at the body as a whole. For example, many degenerative diseases that are considered non-treatable by conventional medicine have been shown to be reversible when using methods that address the body as a whole. A case in point: Some forms of autoimmune diseases have been associated with a disturbance of the immune system, secondary to problems of the digestive system. Specialized medical scientists who limit their considerations to inflammatory or immunological processes alone are unable to treat such conditions effectively. However, such problems have been alleviated through holistic measures-when the knowledge of nutrition, immune system strengthening, and digestive system processes are applied.

Furthermore, it is well known today that the emotional state of an individual affects the ability to resist various infections. The field of psychoneuroimmunology has demonstrated that what one thinks has an enormous effect on one's nervous and immune systems, that health can often be regained simply by changing one's attitude in fife. The work of Dr. Dean Ornish is a good example of how changing one's mind, attitude, and nutrition can be the best treatment for cardiovascular problems, above and beyond any conventional drug therapy.

Beyond Today's Alternative Medicine
Integrative Medicine -- A Whole Body Approach

It is certainly better for the human body to be exposed to natural substances that are easier to metabolize, than to drugs that are often difficult to eliminate and toxic to the body. However, a more refined approach is integrative medicine, which is the true honoring of nature and the natural healing process, rather than the condensing of nature through the mold of our intellectual constructs and limitations.

A good example of the superiority of integrative over alternative medicine is the case of beta-carotene. Numerous scientific studies have established that foods containing beta-carotene are effective at preventing certain forms of cancer. In order to determine if beta carotene truly prevents cancer, scientists researched the effects of isolated beta-carotene in the prevention of cancer. After the completion of a 12-year study, the scientists concluded that beta-carotene alone did not offer any protection against cancer (Hennekens et al., 1996). However, what that study really demonstrated is that beta-carotene, administered without the numerous other carotenoids present in foods containing beta-carotene, is not effective at preventing cancer. It became clear that to prevent cancer, beta-carotene must be accompanied by the other carotenoids found with it in nature. It demonstrated that the effectiveness of certain vitamins and minerals is dependent the synergy of all the ingredients present in the whole food. And it is evident that nature's mix cannot be duplicated in a laboratory.

The concept of synergy is one that is difficult and very expensive to study, although its prevalence and  importance in nutrition and health are evident. Two substances are synergistic when action or benefit of both substances taken together is greater or different than when they are separately. We now know that to be effective, beta-carotene must be accompanied by other carotenoids. Likewise, we know that calcium is better absorbed in the presence of magnesium. We know that coenzyme Q-1O is more easily absorbed when emulsified with oils such as flaxseed oil. But there is a danger in believing we know all there is to know about synergy.

There is much evidence indicating that the best synergy is achieved when we eat natural . Natural,,wildcrafted foods provide the optimum synergy, although it is beyond our ability to fully understand this phenomenon with the limitations of our current knowledge. Such foods do not contain enough vitamins and minerals from a pure quantitative point of to meet currently accepted Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs), and yet these foods have a pronounced and signifficant effect on health which cannot be accounted for solely by their of vitamins and minerals alone. They have a unique ablity to modulate the functioning of our bodies and lead to greater overall health.

Science is beginning to notice these herbs and wildcrafted foods, which are called biomodulators. Biomodulators have a physiological rather than a pharmacological action in the body. Instead of one molecule acting on one receptor or having one effect on the body, like nicotine, caffeine or insulin, there is a more complex reaction involving physiological systems that cannot be attributed to a single molecule in the classical pharmacological model.

In the true holistic vision of health, the body is the true healer. The medical doctor is but the humble, though revered servant of the natural healing process present in everyone. For this reason, biomodulators are of great interest and are an extremely valuable tool for holistic practitioners. One such natural, wildcrafted food with astonishing biomodulating effects is the naturally occurring blue-green alga, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, found in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon.

The Amazing Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
Harvesting for Food and Medicinal Use

Many reports during the time of the Spanish conquest reveal that the natives of Lake Texcoco, near the city of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City today), collected blue-green algae from the waters of the lake to make stun-dried cakes called tecuitlatl (Farrar, 1966; Ciferri, 1983). Prescott reported in his book Conquest of Mexico that a "slime" was gathered from the lake by the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan and eaten as a cake. In brief, they collected a substance that floated on the water of the lake, dried it in the sun, and preserved it. They made use of it as a cheese, which it resembled in flavor and taste. They gave this substance the name tecuitlatl, or excrement of stone, as they believed this substance came from stones (Farrar, 1966).

Even today, local African tribes harvest blue-green algae growing in Lake Chad. it is used to make hard cakes called Dihe (Ciferre 1983). Like the inhabitants of Tenochtitlan, these natives collect patches of floating micro algae and sun-dry them in shallow holes dug in the sand along the shores of the lake. The sand is then cleaned from the dried algal cakes, which are broken in pieces, ready to be eaten or sold at local markets.

For the past seventeen years, a naturally occurring blue-green algae growing in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon has also been harvested and sold as a high protein, nutritional source. This micro algae is Aph. flos-aquae. Although Aph. flos-aquae grows in many other areas of the world, the biomass that accumulates every year in Upper Klamath Lake is unique in its quantity. While other lakes may reach 5mg/l, in density at peak time, Upper Klamath Lake may have up to 100mg/l during the summer months.

High-quality Aph. flos-aquae is- currently harvested from an aqueduct stemming from the southern end of Upper Klamath lake. The alga is collected and cooled within minutes of harvesting. it is then flash frozen in a few seconds, a process that has been documented to preserve the integrity of chlorophyll as well as other micronutrients present in the alga. Using this process clearly protects against degradation of chlorophyll. 'When harvested algae is not processed carefully and properly, chlorophyll rapidly degrades into secondary metabolites (pheophytins) and sometimes tertiary metabolites (pheophorbides) which are known to be toxic. When the harvested algae is rapidly cooled and treated by a high-quality process, no pheophorbides are produced, and most of the chlorophyll remains intact.

Ecology of Klamath Lake

Algae is usually found in bodies of water that are stagnant or deteriorating. However, Upper Klamath Lake is an exception. It has always been and still is extremely robust and productive. It supports not only a tremendous biomass of algae but also fish, waterfowl, and predatory bird species. 'When ice was first collected from the lake in 1906) it was reported to be green with algae (Bortleson and Fretwell, 1993). Lake sucker fish were so common that people used pitchforks to harvest them. Ospreys were reported in densities of up to 10 nests per square mile. Today, the Klamath Basin is still home to the largest wintering congregation of bald eagles in the lower 48 states and is the largest stop off for waterfowl in the Pacific flyway.

Health Benefits

In Nandiame, Nicaragua, over 3500 children have been consuming Aph. flos-aquae for more than five years. improvements in the children's health conditions have been reported in a thesis published by the Department of Nutrition of the Universidad Centroamericana. In brief, providing these children with 500 mg of Aph. flos-aquae daily for one year was shown to significantly improve overall health conditions. 

Eating Aph. flos-aquae also significantly improved academic performance and school attendance. In the group of children eating Aph. flos-aquae, 32 % of the children significantly increased their academic grades and 14% moved from the 0-89 percentile to the 90-100 percentile compared to a reverse movement of 9% from 70-100 to 0-69 in the control group. The school's overall academic average increased from 65% to 82%, ranking the school number one in Nicaragua after years of poor standings. According to the teachers, besides showing increased attendance, children eating Aph. flos-aquae also showed a much greater level of participation and enthusiasm.

A comprehensive research program is now underway to further study the effects of Aph. flos-aquae on health. To date, the research has revealed significant stimulatory effects of aph. flos-aquae on the immune and nervous systems. In brief, the consumption of Aph. flos-aquae was shown to trigger, within two hours of consumption, the migration of natural killer cells from the blood to the tissues, as well as a significant increase in the number of adhesion molecules on the surface of natural killer cells (Manoukian et al., 1998).

In addition, using a digital electroencephalogram (dEEG), it was shown that the consumption of Aph flos-aquae for 30 to 90 days normalized EEG modulation in participants exhibiting subclinical abnormal brain function or lack of integration of neural input (Valencia and Walker 1999). In some cases, EEG normalization could be seen within minutes of ingestion of Aph. flos-aquae. Further, consumption of Aph. flos-aquae. was also shown to significantly improve performance in two tests involving EEG, objectively measuring the ability of the brain to process information.

Other studies have also demonstrated that aph. flos-aquae from Upper Klamath Lake has a significant hypocholesterolemic action (decreases cholesterol) and contains a significant amount of linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid) which, when taken as aph. flos-aquae, has a high degree of bloavailability (Kushak et al., 1999).

Currently, the growing market for aph. flos-aquae as a health food supplement is exceeding $ l00 million in annual sales with annual production exceeding 1,000 metric tons.

The Biochemistry Of 
Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae
Aph. flos-aquae pharmacopoeia

Scientific research as well as popular medicine has produced evidence of the healing and anticancer properties of chlorophyll. For example, recent studies have reported that chlorophyllin, a water-soluble form of chlorophyll, protects against certain forms of liver cancer at a concentration similar to that found in green leafy vegetables (Breinholt, 1995; Negishi, 1997; Hernaez, 1997; Park i996). This finding may have important implications in intervention and dietary management of cancer risks in humans.

Data also suggests that eating foods containing a high chlorophyll content composed of the same heme molecule present in hemoglobin, could stimulate the synthesis of hemoglobin in the body (Hugues, 1936). Topical application as well as oral intake of chlorophyll was shown to prevent and help elliminate infections (Goldberg, 1943; Grud", 1940). Finally, topical application of chlorophyll was noted to promote healing of the skin as well as stomach ulcers (Gahan, 1943).

Beta-carotene as well as other carotenoids have been shown to be powerful antioxidants, helpful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (Gaziano, 1993; Street, 1994). For example, damage by oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) is believed to be of central importance in the development of atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies suggest that high dietary intake of naturally occurring beta-carotene decreases the risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease by protecting LDLs from oxidation (Shaish, 1995). Blood levels of carotenoids were measured in 1,899 men and their cardiovascular health was followed for 13 years. During this time, the men with the highest blood levels of carotenoids had 36% fewer heart attacks and deaths than those with the lowest levels of carotenoids (Morris, 1994).

Beta-carotene was also proven to stimulate the immune system (Kazi 1997; Moriguchi, 1996; Murata 1994) and prevent skin (Santamaria , 1996), oral (Garewal , 1995; Schwartz, 1987, 1989), and breast cancer (Nagasawa, 1989; Shklar, 1988). Besides being a rich source of beta-carotene, Aph. flos-aquae also contains lutein and tycopene, two carotenoids that are known to protect against certain forms of cancer (Franceschi, 1994; Di Mascio, 1991).

Phycocyanin has been proven to have significant anticancer properties. As an example, when phycocyanin was fed orally to mice injected with liver tumor cells, it significantly increased lymphocyte activity and survival rate (Dainippon, 1983). In addition, daily ingestion of a small dose of  phycocyanin was shown to maintain or accelerate normal cell activities to prevent malignancies such as cancer or to inhibit their growth or recurrence (Dainippon, 1983). Phycocyanin was also confirmed to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Romay 1998) and to protect the liver against toxic substances (vadiraja et al., 1998). Recently, phycocyanin was shown to prevent colitis in an animal model (Gonzalez et al., 1999). This may explain the numerous reports of improvement following consumption of Aph. flos-aquae in conditions such as Crohn's disease and other bowel inflammatory diseases.

The average North American diet is known to be lacking in omega-3 fatty acids (Allison et al.,1999). Deficiency is increasingly linked to cardiovascular diseases (Simopoulos, 1989,1991; Spielman et al., 1989; Kromhout, 1989; Renaud et al., 1989; Wood et al., 1987), immunosuppression (DeWille et al., 1979), arthritis (Kremer et-at., 1989), mental disorders (Hibbeln and Salem, 1995; Stevens et al., Galli 1995, 1989; Bierve, 1989), and skin problems (Wright and Burton, 1982).

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids were demonstrated to prevent platelet aggregation (Nordoy, 1987; Lagarde, 1980; Siess, 1980) and lower cholesterol (Spielman, 1989; Sugano, 1986). Consumption of PUFA, mostly omega-3, was also shown to inhibit many forms of cancer, namely breast, prostate, pancreatic, and colon cancer (Karmali, 1989; Wargovich, 1997). There is also evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help m neuropathic conditions associated with diabetes (Jamal, 1986; Houtsmuller, 1981).

Significant interest has been raised by the relationship between PUFA and nervous system functions. Epidemiological studies in various countries and in the United States suggest that decreased omega-3 fatty acid consumption correlates with increasing rates of depression (Hibblen and Salem, 1995). Consumption of foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may constitute an alternative treatment for depression. Furthermore, decreased concentrations of certain PUFA in plasma have been found in children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Stevens, 1995). Though the cause of ADHD is believed to be multifactorial, eating foods containing PUFA may be helpful. Based on various unpublished studies, consumption of Aph.  flos-aquae was demonstrated to be beneficial in the treatment of ADHD.

Most interesting is the research data on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the main omega3 acids, which has drawn special attention in the past few years. EPA was shown to stabilize the membrane of nervous tissues. For example, EPA has been shown to prevent arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation (Kinoshita et al, 1994; Leaf and Kang, 1997; Leaf, 1995; Billman et al., 1994) and to protect myocardial cells against hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced injury following ischemic heart disease (Hiashi et al., 1995). EPA was. also shown to prevent epileptic seizures in a rat model of epileptogenesis (Voskuyl et al., 1998; vreugdenhil et al., i996). This may explain the reports of improvement of epileptic conditions after consumption of aph. flos-aquae.

Finally, more than 60 years ago, it was discovered that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, prevented epidermal water loss and that dry skin was one of the main symptoms of deficiency in PUFA (Burr, 1929; Burr, 1930; Hansen, 1989). PUFA are necessary for healthy and resistant skin, as well as for the health of mucus tissues such as the intestinal wall. Deficiency in PUFA has been associated with scleroderma (Strong et al., 1985) and Raynaud's syndrome (Belch et al, 1985).

Pioneer Research in the Nutraceutical Industry

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA)

Aph. flos-aquae--An Exceptional Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acid

In the same study, eating Aph flos-aquae was shown to significantly decrease blood cholesterol levels. Other blue-green algae were also show n to affect cholesterol levels (de Caire, 1995). This effect could be due, at least in part, to Aph. flos- aquae's content of linolenic acid which has been shown to decrease cholesterol (Sugano, 1986; Ramesha et al., 1980; Chan et al., 1991). This effect could also have been mediated by chlorophyll winch was shown to assist liver function and help decrease cholesterol (Vlad et al., 1995)

Effects of Aph. flos aquae 
on the Nervous System

A Unique Brain Modulator

In order to study the effect of Aph. flos-aquae on the nervous system, 90 individuals were fed either Aph. flos-aquae or a placebo for a period of 90 days, and their electroencephalograms were monitored regularly. In addition, a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test and a P300 test were performed to measure the ability of the brain to process information.

'When the BAER test is administered, a sound is sent into the left ear. An EEG measures brain activity as the signal travels through various areas of the brain and across the corpus callosum. Taking Aph. flos-aquae for nearly one month significantly improved central nervous signaling as measured with this BAER test. 

In a P300 test, participants must discriminate between sounds at different frequencies that are heard through a headset. 'When the participant reports hearing a sound of a different frequency, the trace obtained is a reflection of the number of neurons involved in the task and the coordination or simultaneity of the neurons' recruitment. A greater ability of the central nervous system to perform this task is indicated by a faster response. Consuming Aph. flos-aquae for one month significantly increased cognitive functions.

Using a digital electroencephalogram (dEEG), Aph. flos-aquae was also shown to normalize EEG modulation in participants who exhibited subclinical abnormal modulations, or lack of central nervous integration. Abnormal modulations or lack of integration between the various regions of the brain may be associated with lack of attention, poor memory, irritability, sleep disorders, depression, and other impairments and disorders. Participants in this study reported an overall improvement in their health condition, which was verified using numerous health-related quality-of-life questionnaires.

This scientific information may have far-reaching implications. Much research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology has established the intricate relationship between the nervous and immune systems. A more optimal nervous system will necessarily lead to better immune functions, and in turn, better immune functions will increase the ability of the body to handle conditions like cancer, autoimmune diseases, infections of various kinds, allergies, inflammatory diseases, etc. The fact that Aph. flos-aquae positively modulates brain activity and improves cognitive functions may be one of the underlying explanations behind many of the different benefits reported by algae eaters.

Conclusion

Further research is currently being carried out to study the ability of Aph. flos-aquae to actually prevent cancer and viral infection, lower cholesterol in people with elevated cholesterol, and prevent cardiovascular diseases. In a hundred years, in the age of whole-body medicine, Aph. flos-aquae may very well become today's vitamin C.

Doctors' Expertise

Letter from Dr. C.H.Hassell

Yours sincerely;
C H Hassell, MB CCFP

Letter from Jeffrey D. Millman, M.D.

Chronic Fatigue

Disorders of sugar metabolism include Diabetes Mellitus, hypoglycemia, sugar cravings and alcoholism. Individuals with these conditions do not handle sugar or simple carbohydrates well, whereas protein has a positive effect on controlling blood sugar fluctuations. The very high content of small-chain, easily assimilated protein in blue-green algae is contributing to better controlled blood sugars with fewer highs and lows, decreased cravings for sugar, sweets, and alcohol, and a weight loss of several pounds.

I observe that Aph. flos-aquae has a tonic-like effect of cleansing the digestive tract. This facilitates absorption of nutrients and excretion of toxins and poisons. Aph. flos-aquae in varying amounts resolves constipation. Patients with sensitive GI tracts need to increase their intake of Aph. flos-aquae more gradually. The use of probiotics and digestive enzymes dramatically improves digestive functioning.

Serotonin is one of many neutrotransmitters that promotes communication within our nervous system. Aph. flos-aquae exposed to sound waves disrupts the cell membrane and in some fashion has an observed predilection for enhancing mental functioning and promoting emotional calmness and stability. Children and adults with ADD or ADHD experience improved focus and concentration, improved school and /or work performance, and more appropriate social behavior. I also have observed improvement of such other serotonin related disorders as depression and panic disorder.

Almost everyone experiences symptoms of cleansing and detoxification, with more ill individuals having a more pronounced experience necessitating a more conservative intake of Aph. flos-aquae. For most people, cleansing is a minor inconvenience reflecting a positive health-enhancing removal of harmful toxins acquired from the food, water and air we take into our body.

Aph. flos-aquae has benefited approximately 80% of my patients to varying degrees, sometimes subtly and often dramatically. Aph. flos-aquae is the healthiest food I know of to recommend as a nutritional supplement to assist healing of our individual health challenges and for maintaining optimal well being.

Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey D Millman M.D.

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