Red Algae

North Pacific Red Algae (Leaves) Washington State's Pacific Coast

Especially of interest as a unique immune system vitalizer. Many similar attributes to Kelp and Dulse for energy.

Trace minerals and highly-unique phytonutrients.

Red marine algae has been a valued food in Asia for thousands of years due to its highly nutritious qualities. Carrageenans, a family of polysaccharide compounds extracted from algae, have been studied for their unique properties. In vitro studies show that carrageenans aid in a cell's natural defense by significantly minimizing the binding of unfriendly proteins to the cell's surface.

Red marine algae, therapeutic super food provides the body with a full array of nutrients including complete protein, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and sulfated polysaccharides. It's medicinal properties are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response, indicating that it is an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent. Upon digestion, this whole food complex with its synergistic nutrients is rapidly assimilated and absorbed. In particular, the sulfated polysaccharides are thought to support the immune system's antiviral response by activating lymphocyte production. This induces the formation of antibodies, which boosts T-cell production, inhibiting viral pathogenesis. For example, Dumontiaceae has been shown to support the body's specific immune response to control and reduce the Herpes Simplex Virus population, stopping or lessening the occurrence and severity of outbreaks.

Red marine algae has been used by people as a food staple for thousands of years. In the Chinese Materica Medica, a volume dating back to 600 B.C., we find the following statement, " Some algae are a delicacy fit for the most honorable guest, even for the king himself." (Porterfield, 1922). In China, Japan and the Indo-Pacific region, several dozen species of red algae are used.

Upon digestion, Dumontiaceae's broad spectrum of nutrients is rapidly assimilated and absorbed by the body. A nutritional analysis of this red marine algae shows it to be composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids.

The unique combination of nutrients found in Dumontiaceae is important in the following ways: It is complete protein with all the essential amino acids - unlike most plant foods. Complete proteins are crucial because they are involved in all major metabolic processes, such as energy production, rebuilding and enzyme production. It contains both simple and complex carbohydrates which affect a quick but sustained release, providing the body with an excellent source of additional fuel for its many constant energy needs. In particular, the sulphated complex carbohydrates are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response. 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 and availability of body energy. It has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in a naturally occurring, synergistic design. For example, it contains an excellent magnesium to calcium ratio of 2:1, and potassium to sodium ration of 4:3.

In a search for anti-herpetic substances, studies of California red marine algae proved to be particularly interesting (Ehresmann et al., 1977, 1979; Hatch et al., 1979; and Richards et al., 1978). One study conducted, by a Senior Research Fellow of the chemistry department at G.D. Searle & Co., Dr. Raphael Pappo, Ph.D., demonstrated the algae's beneficial effects on people with Herpes Simplex Virus I and II. Several years of study suggested to Dr. Pappo that the red marine algae assists the body's specific immune regulatory response and plays a key role in preventing the recurrence of the virus.

More recent research on extracts of red marine algae suggest that specific carbohydrates (sulfated polysaccharides) may inhibit both the DNA and RNA of viral infections and may operate both outside and within our infected cells (Baba et al., 1988, Mitsuya et al., 1988, Ueno and Kuno, 1987. ) Work done in this area has shown sulfated polysaccharide compounds suppressed retroviral replication and inhibited viral reverse transcriptases (Solomon et al., 1966, Schaffrath et al., 1976). A study done by Neushul (1990) showed that nearly all of the 39 species of marine red algae, including the family Dumontiaceae, also contained and exhibited an inhibitory substance that suppressed retroviral replication and inhibited viral reverse transcriptases. Studies by Nakashima et al., (1987, 1988) support the hypothesis that a common immunomodulatory cell wall carbohydrate, like carrageenan, is a type of heparin receptor molecule, binding to a cell and triggering a specific cellular response sequence. Carrageenan may also be internalized into infected cells, thus inhibiting the virus. It also may inhibit fusion between infected cells (Neushul, 1990, Gonzales et al., 1987) suggesting that sulfated polysaccharides inhibit a step in viral replication subsequent to viral internalization but prior to the onset of late viral protein synthesis. In conclusion, the research indicates that the polysaccharides act as an immunomodulatory agent.

Because of the severity of the present AIDS epidemic and the debilitating effects of Herpes Simplex and Epstein- Barr, it is becoming more important than ever to re-examine the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of red marine algae.

Maintaining a strong, healthy immune system is of the utmost importance. The ease with which so many individuals acquire infections and are subject to viral conditions suggests that we are all relatively weak in our ability to resist pathogens. When the immune response is inadequate to meet the challenge of an invading pathogen, the agent escapes destruction and is able to multiply and chronically persist in the tissues.

Red marine algae is capable of working on multiple levels to strengthen the body and solidify its primary defense system. This is accomplished in several ways: First and foremost, returning to whole foods from the ocean can help realign our bodies to the ancient life-giving balance. Any immune disorder causes a severe mineral deficiency. Red marine algae is rich in minerals and is organized in such a way that the body can utilize them easily. Minerals and trace elements are the key to restoring and maintaining proper acid/alkaline balance in the body.

When a proper acid/alkaline balance is not maintained, the body falls into a state of degeneration. Acid conditions develop which create a chronic stage of disease. Too much acidity allows yeast, virus, rebellious cancer cells and various other parasites to thrive. Acidity also leads to conditions such as chronic fatigue, AIDS, arthritis and allergies. The effect of red marine algae is to create an alkaline reaction in the tissues in order to rebuild healthy tissue.

Red marine algae provides a nutritional base for improved digestion. Improved digestion enhances organ function and thereby nourishes the colon, liver and adrenals. Proper function of these organs reduces tension, helps us live with stress and enables our bodies to maintain a more constant vitality.

Ocean vegetables contain ten to twenty times the minerals of land plants, as well as an abundance of vitamins and other elements necessary for proper metabolism. Each ocean vegetable exhibits a distinct nutrient profile and a selective nature for its medicinal use. Current research has now established a link between nutrient-rich red marine algae and the body's immune system response. Our ability to survive in a hostile environment that may seem out of control demands that we take steps to recover our health and maintain our immunity. Therein ocean vegetables may be one of our most important allies in a changing world.

Red Marine Algae and Herpes

By Kent Farfield

Long-term relief for Herpes? Alternative treatment may help!

One casualty of the drug approval process is a red marine algae in the family of Dumontiaceae. Research on antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae indicates a high potential for low-cost, broad spectrum antiviral agents. Further research in the family of Dumontiaceae produced two patents where clinical efficacy for Herpes I and II was clearly shown. The treatment was effective for treating subjects (e.g. human patients) both prior to and subsequent to herpes infection. It was used topically to alleviate symptoms associated with herpes infections or preferably systemic, by oral administration, to eradicate the virus and thereby prevent symptom recurrence. No side effect or toxicity were noted. This treatment, which now must be considered alternative, suggests a breakthrough in the discovery of natural immunomodulatory and antiviral agents.

Recent research and gathering of anecdotal evidence on the health benefits and antiherpetic action of the red marine algae, Dumontiaceae, has yielded much promise. Its use as a topical has been further documented and thought superior to acyclovir. It was shown to be clinically effective against herpes zoster infections as well. Anecdotal reports from patients suffering from Epstein Barr (another herpes virus) and Candida have shown marked improvement in a short period of time through oral administration (systemic).

General health benefits show red marine algae useful in weight-loss programs and for lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood. It contains soothing, mucilaginous gels such as algin, carregeenan and agar, which specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Once thought of as a liability that blocked assimilation, the tough cell wall in Dumontiaceae has been found to be invaluable. It binds with heavy metals, pesticides and carcinogens and carries these toxins safely out of the body. Contained within the cell walls are simple sugars called complex polysaccharides These long chained complex sugars stimulate interferon productions as well as other anti-tumor and immune-enhancing activity (improving activity of T- and B- cells). Other compounds in the cell walls are related to those found in friendly bacteria which fortify and strengthen our immune systems to fight against invading organisms and toxins.

Although the effect of long term use of an alternative treatment such as the red marine algae, Dumontiaceae, has not been clinically substantiated, edible seaweeds have been consumed for thousands of years and are considered safe, nutritious and beneficial. The added dimension that science has uncovered surrounding its antiviral immunomodulatory potential opens up a whole new source of food that could serve to palliate or even hopefully cure virally caused diseases. Since most life derived from the sea, the novel idea that the ocean lies untapped as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource is entirely possible and may be critical to our human survival.

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