Red Marine Algae - Information on Red Marine Algae

What is Red Marine Algae?

Red Marine Algae is more commonly known as marine seaweed.  Seaweed has been utilized as a source of superfood for centuries.  Seaweeds come in a variety of colors which gives rise to their variety of uses.

What does Red Marine Algae do?

This therapeutic superfood 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. Red Marine Algae's medicinal properties are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response, indicating that it is
an immuno-modulatory/antiviral agent.

Why is it needed?

Poor diet, environmental imbalances and our stressful lifestyle have left our bodies in a state of nutritional deficiency, resulting in a myriad of physiological imbalances, one of the most dangerous being an impaired and weakened immune system.

How does it work?

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 systems's antiviral response by activating lymphocyte production. This induces the formation of antibodies which boost T-cell production, inhibiting viral pathogenesis. Red Marine Algae
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.

How is it made?

This all natural whole food algae is harvested from the waters of the United States. The Red Marine Algae is carefully cleaned and dried to maintain its quality, purity and nutritional/medicinal integrity. Since most life derived from the sea, one can think of the ocean as a vast nutritional soup that lies untapped as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource.

Scientific research has established a link between nutrient-rich sea plants and the body's immune system response. This growing interest in marine life as a source of nutrients and botanically based medicines has created a new demand for algae.  We are only at the threshold of unlocking the nutritional and medicinal secrets of red marine algae. As new applications for using algae have developed, the demand for research has increased. Marine biologists are searching diligently to understand the effects of varying temperatures, salinities, depths, pressures, currents, and other physical and chemical conditions that create
the fascinating world of underwater algae.

Red Marine Algae as a Super Food:

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 Red Marine Algae is important in the
following ways:

* It is a 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 has a high carbohydrate content. 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 a potassium to sodium ratio of 4:3.

Red Marine Algae's Medicinal and Therapeutic Usefulness:

Over the last 25 years there has been an increased scientific understanding of biological specificity and its subsequent relation to the body's immune system. Current research on Dumontiaceae suggests a breakthrough in the discovery of natural immunomodulatory and antiviral agents.

It all started when intensive studies of marine organisms began in the 1970s to locate potential sources of pharmacologically active agents. 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 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 that 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 Halymeniaceae, 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.

Long term relief for Herpes? Alternative treatment may help!

Historically, there has been no long term relief for chronic sufferers of herpes simplex infections, let alone a cure. Herpes sufferers are seemingly at the mercy of this viral menace. Despite failure at the eradication of the herpes virus, success in the short term by temporarily suppressing its proliferation has yielded positive results. One such agent, acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue,has been regarded as the drug of choice by the medical community. However, as with most drugs, there are side effects. Are there no alternatives?

There are as many known factors which contribute to a chronic case of herpes, while other factors remain a mystery. Finding ways to stop or curb some of the known factors which predispose one to herpes activity can be helpful. Chronic herpes sufferers are well accustomed to the recommended restrictions in diet and lifestyle. Yet, even healthy individuals who seemingly do everything right to lead a herpes-free life cannot escape this relentless virus. So, what's next?

Treatment with acyclovir relieves symptoms, reduces the amount of infectious virus released from the sores and speeds healing. The treatment does not prevent subsequent attacks or diminish their frequency or severity. The effect of acyclovir in a herpes virus infection is to inhibit the synthesis of viral DNA. Prophylactic courses of oral acyclovir can have a modest impact on recurrent infections, but the cost of the drug and its potential toxicity over the long term do not justify such regimens in most cases. In the majority of cases for genital herpes, general recurrence patterns returned within 8 to 25 days after stopping long term use.

Laboratory studies suggest prolonged administration of acyclovir as a prophylactic or its prescription for trivial infections might favor the appearance of virus strains that are both drug-resistant and pathogenic. This concern over the advent of drug resistant pathogens, has recently come to pass. The NIB reported that a new strain of genital herpes (HSV-II) has evolved upon which acyclovir had no effect.

Given the drug like nature of acyclovir, with side effects included, herpes sufferers have sought a natural approach to prevent or suppress their herpes symptoms. The most popular natural remedy, sold in health food stores, are high doses of the amino acid L-lysine. High doses of L-lysine, which is an essential amino acid, have been clinically shown to suppress the proliferation of the herpes virus. Earlier research revealed that some amino acids increased growth in viral activity and others decreased such activity. Further studies showed that one could effectively alter the chemistry of the cellular environment by increasing the availability of a particular amino acid. In the case of L-lysine, inducing a higher concentration of L-lysine was shown to lower the arginine cellular concentration. The effect of depleting the existing reserves of arginine (a non-essential amino acid) combined with the presence of L-lysine effectively thwarts assembly of viralprotein coats. Without this vital structural component, herpes viruses cannot invade new cells. Potential herpes infections are thus temporarily aborted.

Acyclovir and L-lysine, although widely used, have provided variable success for its users. The fact that known side effects from taking acyclovir include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and headache are not encouraging given that effective treatment of acyclovir requires daily use. Also, little is known about the long term effects and toxicity. One study showed chromosome damage when taking large doses even though low dosages are considered safe. L-lysine, once announced as a major medical breakthrough in the prevention of herpes disease, has its downside as well. Research has shown that a decrease in arginine lowers lymphocyte immune reactivity in healthy human beings. Essentially, an increase in daily intake of L-lysine has the net effect of lowering our natural immunity due to the decrease of arginine in the cellular environment (perhaps arginine, once thought non-essential is becoming increasingly essential for our own survival). The fact that it suppresses herpes simplex viral activity is significant, but not at the expense of our adaptive immune system. Neither acyclovir nor L-lysine are recommended for long term prophylactic treatment. Individuals seeking a dailymaintenance dosage to ward off herpes outbreaks would be ill advised to relyon L-lysine or acyclovir. Chronic herpes sufferers would be better off to investigate other means to prevent or suppress their herpes condition. Is there no hope?

Western medicine, armed with its infinite technological powers, can still help us. Many potent botanical agents have been investigated but never made it through the arduous process of drug approval. Difficulties in understanding the intricate process under which particular botanical agents interact within the human body has kept many useful medicines from ever reaching the people who most urgently need them. In addition, many botanical agents can only work in their whole plant form. They work on multiple levels and act synergistically within the body.

Although the actions of these botanical agents in whole plants (commonly described as herbs or medicinal plants) are difficult to trace and report scientifically, a close monitoring of clinical results by trained practitioners can be useful and show efficacy. Certainly, using our powers of observation to determine whether a particular treatment works better than no treatment, or better than some other treatment for a patient whose health status and history is well documented can be significant.

One such casualty of the drug approval process is red marine algae.  Research on antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae indicate a high potential for low-cost, broad spectrum antiviral agents. Further research into Red Marine Algae 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 effects 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 red marine algae 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 metal, 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 production as well as other anti-tumor and immune-enhancing activity (improving activity of T- and B-cells). Other compounds in the cell wall are related to those found in friendly bacteria which fortify and strengthen our immune systems to fight against invading organisms and toxins.

Although the effects 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 and 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.

Go To Top Of Page
Go To Home Page

Therapeutic Application for Newly Discovered Marine Algae

Researchers in the mid seventies and early eighties were exploring rare algae that potentially modeled immunomodulatory activity in humans. Investigations revealed some thirty species which enhanced the immune systems's regulatory response and were shown to be antiviral. The more promising part of this discovery was the antiviral specificity of each species towards a variety of pathogens.

Current research on a red marine algae has exhibited promising results in controlling and reducing both Candida and Herpes Simplex Virus populations. Patients have reported a stopping or lessening of growth within the body. Researchers believe these special algae may serve as a gateway to resist or even cure many bacteria, fungi, or and viral pathogens.

Could algae, commonly known as ocean vegetables, be one of the most important new therapeutic food? Scientific research has only reinforced the medicinal and nutritional importance of ocean vegetables. Numerous cultures have used ocean vegetables to complement their healthy diet. Ocean vegetables were most commonly used to prevent aging and prolong life. Since all life evolved from the sea, we may think of the ocean as a vast nutritional soup that lies untapped as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource.

Red Marine Algae as a Super Food

A nutritional analysis of red marine algae shows it to be composed of carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids. As a complete protein, it supplies all the essential amino acids-unlike most plant food. Complete proteins are crucial because they are involved in all major metabolic processes such as energy production, rebuilding, and enzyme production. As an energy food, high in carbohydrates, it provides the body with an excellent source of additional fuel for its many constant energy needs. In particular, the polysaccharide carbohydrates are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response. As a super food it has an abundance of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in a naturally occurring design necessary for optimal energy utilization.

Red Marine Algae - A Key to Wellness

Red Marine Algae can restore nutritionally what we need in order to function on basic levels. This is very important because it allows a body's internal balance to naturally affect the growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses before they become harmful. We cannot completely stop pathogens from living in our body; however, we can inhibit their activity. We can accomplish this goal by preserving a healthy climate within our body where fair weather and sunny skies are the order of the day. This is extremely important as bacteria, fungi, and viruses thrive in dark, moist, contracted areas of the body. The ancient life-giving balance we receive from red marine algae takes on new meaning when understood as a major step towards strengthening our immune system.

Red Marine Algae Supports Us and Our Immune System

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, viruses, rebellious cancer cells, and various other parasites to thrive. Acidity also lead 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.

Conclusion

The powers of ocean vegetables has been sought for thousands of years for their ability to prolong life, prevent disease, and enhance life. 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 betweennutrient-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.

1. Baba et. al., "Mechanism of inhibitory effect of dextran sulfate and heparin
in replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro." Proc Natl. Acad. Sci
85:6132-6136. 1988

2. Barbul, A. et al., "Arginine stimulates lymphocyte immune response in
healthy human beings. Surgery 90: pp 244-251. 1984

3. Cole and Sheath, (Ed.), Biology of the Red Algae, Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge, 1990.

4. Dieg et. al., "Inhibition of herpesvirus replication by marine algae extracts,"
Anitimicrb. Ag. Chemother. 6:524-525. 1974

5. Dieg et. al., "Evaluation of extracts of marine algae for antiviral activity
in experimental herpes simplex infections of infant mice." In Fifty-second
Technical Progress Report, Section 4, Naval Biosciences Laboratory, School
of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. 1977

6. Dieg et. al., "Development of dermal lesions in adult mice infected with
herpes simplex virus: application of the model in the evaluation of
antiherpesvirus substance from marine algae." Office of Naval Research,
University of California Sea Grant Program. Unpublished.

7. Ehresmann et al., "Antiviral properties of algal polysaccharides and
related compounds," In H. A. Hoppe et. al., (ed.), Marine Algae in
Pharmaceutical Science, W. de Gruyter, N. Y.: 293-302. 1979

8. Ehresmann, et. al, "Antiviral substances from California marine algae,"
J. Phycol. 13: 37-40. 1979

9. Gonzales et. al., "Polysaccharides as antiviral agents: antiviral activity
of carrageenan," Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 31: 1388-1393.
1987

10. Hallinan et. al., "Inhibition of reverse transcriptase by polyvinyl
sulfate (PVS)," Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 98:97-101. 1981

11. Hatch et. al., "Chemical characterization and therapeutic evaluation
of anti Herpesvirus polysaccharides from species of Dumontiaceae,"
In H. A. Hoppe et. al., (ed.) Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical Science
W. de Gruyter, N. Y. 346-363. 1979

12. Mitsuya et. al., 1988 "Dextran sulfate suppression of viruses in the
HIV family: inhibition of virion binding to CD4 and cells,"
Science 240:646-649. 1988

13. Nakashima et. al., "Antiretroviral activity in a marine red alga: reverse
transcriptase inhibition by an aqueous extract of Schizymenia pacifica"
Journal Cancer Res. Clin Oncol 113: 413-16. 1987

14. Neushul, "Antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae." Hydrobiologia
204/205:99-104. 1990

15. Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books,
Berkeley, California, 1993

16. Richards et. al., "Antiviral activity of extracts from marine algae,"
Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 14: 24-3-. 1978

17. Schaffrath et. al., "Interactions of glycosaminoglycans with DNA and
RNA synthesizing enzymes invitro," Z. Physiol Chem. 357:499-508. 1976

16. Solomon et. al., "Inhibitory effect of heparin on Rous Sarcoma virus,"
J. Bact. 92:1855-56. 1966

18. Straus et al.,, "Suppression of frequently recurring gential herpes"
N Eng J of Medicine, Vol 310 No. 24 pg. 1545-50. 1984

19. Douglas et al., "Acyclovir and Genital Herpes" N Eng J of Medicine,
Vol. 310 No. 24 pg. 1551-56. 1984

20. Thomson and Fowler, "Carrageenan: a review of its effects on the
immune system,: Agents and Actions. 11: 265-273. 1981

21. Ueno and Kuno, "Dextran sulphate, a potent anti-HIV agent in vitro
having synergism with sidovudine," Lancet 1:1379. 1987

References:

Baba et al., "Mechanism of inhibitory effect of dextran sulfate and heparin
in replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro,"
Proc Natl. Acad. Sci 85:6132-6136. 1988

Cole and Sheath, (Ed.), Biology of the Red Algae, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 1990

Personal communication with Dr. Cousens, 7/11/93.

Dieg et al., "Inhibition of herpesvirus replication by marine algae extracts,"
Anitimicrb. Ag. Chemother. 6:524-525. 1974

Dieg et al., "Evaluation of extracts of marine algae for antiviral activity in
experimental herpes simplex infections of infant mice," Fifty-second Technical
Progress Report, Section 4, Naval Biosciences Laboratory, School of Public Health,
University of California, Berkeley. 1977

Dieg et al., "Development of dermal lesions in adult mice infected with herpes
simplex virus: application of the model in the evaluation of anti-herpesvirus
substance from marine algae," Office of Naval Research, University of California
Sea Grant Program. (Unpublished)

Ehresmann et al., "Antiviral properties of algal polysaccharides and related
compounds," H. A. Hoppe et al., (ed.), Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical Science,
W. de Gruyter, N. Y.: 293-302. 1979

Ehresmann, et al, "Antiviral substances from California marine algae,"
J. Phycol. 13: 37-40. 1979

Gonzales et al., "Polysaccharides as antiviral agents: antiviral activity of
carrageenan," Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 31: 1388-1393. 1987

Hallinan et al., "Inhibition of reverse transcriptase by polyvinyl sulfate (PVS),"
Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 98:97-101. 1981

Hatch et al., "Chemical characterization and therapeutic evaluation of anti
Herpesvirus polysaccharides from species of Dumontiaceae," H. A. Hoppe et al.,
(ed.) Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical Science, W. de Gruyter,
N. Y. 346-363. 1979

Hepler and Dennis, "Acute Oral Toxicity Study EP-1001-Private Report,"
Phoenix Research Laboratory, 1982

Lindstrom and Scagel, "The marine algae of British Columbia, northern
Washington, and southeast Alaska: division, Rhodophyta, class Rhodophyceae,
order Gigartinales, family Dumontiaceae, with introduction to the order
Gigartinales," Can. J. Bot., 65:2302-2332. 1988

Mitsuya et al., "Dextran sulfate suppression of viruses in the HIV family:
inhibition of virion binding to CD4 and cells," Science 240:646-649. 1988

Nakashima et al., "Antiretroviral activity in a marine red alga: reverse
transcriptase inhibition by an aqueous extract of Schizymenia pacifica,"
Journal Cancer Res. Clin Oncol 113: 413-16. 1987

Neushul, "Antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae," Hydrobiologia
204/205:99-104. 1990

Richards et al., "Antiviral activity of extracts from marine algae,"
Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 14: 24-3. 1978

Schaffrath et al., "Interactions of glycosaminoglycans with DNA and RNA
synthesizing enzymes invitro," Z. Physiol Chem. 357:499-508. 1976

Solomon et al., "Inhibitory effect of heparin on Rous Sarcoma virus,"
J. Bact. 92:1855-56. 1966

Thomson and Fowler, "Carrageenan: a review of its effects on the immune
system: Agents and Actions." 11: 265-273. 1981

Ueno and Kuno, "Dextran sulphate, a potent anti-HIV agent in vitro having
synergism with sidovudine," Lancet 1:1379. 1987

Wasowicz, "Marine Algae may offer herpes relief," UPI, 10/28/84.

Go To Top of Page
Go To Home Page
Go To Order Page