由螺旋藻健康食品看未來微細藻研究發展

   

作者：    曾慶春    海大養殖系研究生

任課老師：陳衍昌    博士

 

一、前言：

 

螺旋藻是一種生長在鹼性鹽湖的藍綠藻植物。原產於非洲、墨西哥等熱帶高溫地方。 自七十年代以來，螺旋藻廣受注意。螺旋藻含有豐富的蛋白質（達65-70%），多種維生素（維生素B12）， 8種人體無法自行製造的氨基酸，多種礦物元素（包括鐵、鉀、鈉、鎂和鈣），高量β-胡蘿蔔素（抗氧化營養素，能抑制自由基對細胞的破壞作用，預防老化及慢性疾病），高含量的gamma-linoleic acid (gamma-亞麻油酸，有助預防心血管疾病)及含高量的DNA與RNA（如下表：營養組成成分）。另外，螺旋藻另含有一種特殊的藻藍素, (phycocyanin)，它與葉綠素結合在一起,因此具有抗氧化力。

    由於螺旋藻在疾病預防、營養、免疫方面的學術研究已被陸續的開發出來。產業界看準這一股市場潛力，紛紛推出所謂的「螺旋藻健康食品」。在這裡我們有必要釐清以下之觀念：

組成成分→多少劑量→作用機制→目的；也就是，健康食品不等於萬靈丹，我們必須清楚的分析出到底是何種成分、多少劑量、功能，以及使用後可能產生的副作用，這個副作用包括使用者本身以及生態環境方面。由此角度來看未來微細藻研究發展，這也正是本篇報告的主要目的。

　

                             

 

     螺旋藻處理廠

    

   

   噴霧乾燥塔

二、發展簡介與研究概況

發展簡介包括：螺旋藻生產概況、螺旋藻組成成分以及商品簡介。研究概況則包含：抗病毒研究、抗癌症研究、疾病預防、身體保健及食品營養等方面列舉，資料來源為各藻類相關網站取得。

A. 發展簡介

a.生產概況

1.採收
在螺旋藻的生長季節(4月到10月)，可以從養殖池中採收螺旋藻。而在炎熱的夏季，必須24小時不停的採收，才能跟上螺旋藻爆發性的成長速度。

 

 

2.製成螺旋藻粉末
螺旋藻很快的經由不鏽鋼設備的採收和乾燥處理，在此過程中，不需經由手工處理。第一道濾網用於濾去養殖池中的雜物。第二道濾網，則是用於採收顯微鏡下才看的到的螺旋藻。充滿營養成份的水，則再循環回到了養殖池中。最後一道過濾處理將綠乳酪般的螺旋藻形成麵團狀。此時，它們的細胞中仍然含有80％左右的水份，並且還需馬上進行脫水處理。

 

3.快速乾燥，保存營養成份

潮濕的螺旋藻被噴入乾燥室中，乾   燥水分；再從乾燥室頂端掉入底部時，經過短短幾秒鐘熱處理，即完成乾燥手續。然後乾燥的螺旋藻粉末被吸入包裝室的搖動收集機。這快速處理過程能保護容易受熱破壞的營養成分、色素及酵素。

4.封裝前儲存

在乾燥過程中，沒有使用任何的防腐劑、穩定劑或者添加劑，而且絕不使用放射性殺菌法照射。 這些乾燥後的螺旋藻粉末含有高量、對熱敏感的藻青蛋白營養成分，證實了這種乾燥處理過程能夠保證品質優異。裝入隔氧圓桶中的螺旋藻粉末，一般可以保存5年以上，而且能完整保存β-胡蘿蔔素的效力。

自動裝瓶生產設備           

　

螺旋藻粉末被封閉於特殊的隔氧桶內

5.打錠和裝瓶

Earthrise養殖農場的產品在其特別的加工廠，將螺旋藻粉末以"冷壓"方式直接壓成錠劑，然後裝入玻璃或者塑膠瓶中。

 

b.營養組成成分

Table 1成分分析 蛋白質 55 - 70 % 碳水化合物 15 - 25 % 脂肪 06 - 08 % 礦物質 (灰質) 07 - 13 % 水分 03 - 07 % 纖維 08 - 10 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2維生素 (每十公克螺旋藻 : % 美國每日攝取量百分比) 維生素 10克 螺旋藻 美國每日 建議攝取值 百分比 維生素 10克 螺旋藻 美國每日 建議攝取值 百分比 維生素 A 23000IU 5000IU 460 % 維生素 B1 .35 mg 1.5 mg 23 % Beta胡蘿蔔素 14 mg 3 mg 460 % 維生素 B2 .40 mg 1.7 mg 23 % 維生素 C 0 mg 60 mg 0 % 維生素 B3 1.4 mg 20 mg 7 % 維生素 D 1200 IU 400 IU 300 % 維生素 B6 80 mcg 2.0 mg 4 % 維生素 E 1.0 mg 30 IU 3 % 葉酸 1 mcg 0.4 mg 0 % 維生素 K 200 mcg 80 mcg 250 % 維生素 B12 20 mcg 6 mcg 330 % 生物素 0.5 mcg 0.3 mg 0 % 泛酸 10 mcg 10 mg 1 % 肌醇 6.4 mg * * %

 

 

Table 3礦物質 (每十公克螺旋藻 : % 美國每日攝取量百分比) 礦物質 10克 螺旋藻 美國每日 建議攝取值 百分比 礦物質 10克 螺旋藻 美國每日 建議攝取值 百分比 鈣質 70 mg 1000 mg 7 % 錳 0.5 mg 2 mg 25 % 鐵質 15 mg 18 mg 80 % 鉻 25 mcg 120 mg 21 % 磷直 80 mg 1000 mg 8 % 鉬 * mcg 75 mcg * % 碘 * mg 150 mcg * % 氯 * mg 3400 mg * % 鎂 40 mg 400 mg 10 % 鈉 90 mg 2400 mg 4 % 鋅 0.3 mg 15 mg 2 % 鉀 140 mg 3500 mg 4 % 硒 10 mcg 70 mcg 14 % 鍺 60 mcg * mg * % 銅 120 mcg 2 mg 6 % 硼 * mg * mg * %

 

 

Table 4天然胡蘿蔔素(每十公克螺旋藻 : % 美國每日攝取量百分比) 色素 % 每10克含 百分比 胡蘿蔔素 54 % 25 mg 0.25 % Beta胡蘿蔔素 45 % 21 mg 0.21 % 其他胡蘿蔔素 9 % 4 mg 0.04 % 葉黃素 46 % 22 mg 0.22 % Myxoxanthophyll 19 % 9 mg 0.09 % 黏液葉黃素 16 % 8 mg 0.08 % 米黃質 3 % 1 mg 0.01 % Echinenone 2 % 1 mg 0.01 % 其他葉黃素 6 % 3 mg 0.03 % 胡蘿蔔素總計 100 % 47 mg 0.47 %

 

 

Table 5氨基酸含量 必須氨基酸 十公克螺旋藻 百分比 非必須氨基酸 十公克螺旋藻 百分比 異白胺酸 350 mg 5.6 % 苯丙胺酸 280 mg 4.5 % 白胺酸 540 mg 8.7 % 烴丁胺酸 320 mg 5.2 % 離胺酸 290 mg 4.7 % 色胺酸 90 mg 1.5 % 甲硫胺酸 140 mg 2.3 % 擷胺酸 400 mg 6.5 % 丙胺酸 470 mg 7.6 % 甘胺酸 320 mg 5.2 % 精胺酸 430 mg 6.9 % 組胺酸 100 mg 1.6 % 天們冬胺酸 610 mg 9.8 % 脯胺酸 270 mg 4.3 % 胱胺酸 60 mg 1.0 % 絲胺酸 320 mg 5.2 % 麩胺酸 910 mg 14.6 % 洛胺酸 300 mg 4.8 % 氨基酸總合 : 每10公克螺旋藻含有6.2克的氨基酸

　

c.市售產品

　

產品約可分為三種類型

1.食品添加

將螺旋藻添加入產品中以增加食品風味或營養組成。

2.直接食用

產品製成粉末狀可直接沖泡或加入果汁牛奶等之副食產品

3.營養添加、保健食品

為市售產品種類最豐富類型通常製成膠囊狀、錠狀等，作為每日營養補充身體保健用

B.研究概況

Table 6

螺旋藻目前研究成果
1.抗病毒研究	6.食品與營養	11.改善乳酸菌數量
2.抗癌症研究	7.醣脂與硫脂	12.營養不良的復原
3.Beta胡蘿蔔素、癌症預防與健康	8.鐵質的生物利用率與貧血症的防治	13.藻藍蛋白與免疫系統的改善
4.降低膽固醇	9.造血與免疫系統的調節	14.多醣類與免疫系統的改善
5.減輕糖尿病和高血壓	10.腎臟解毒	15.輻射保護作用與免疫系統的改善

 

 

三.討論與發展

目前，藻類研究部分包含：養殖、純化、營養、疾病預防、生物科技等。然而，未來台灣微細藻研究該偏重哪一方向？就未來發展方向來說，首要工作是檢視本身競爭力的問題，由這個角度來探討，以基礎科學研究為本來發展生物科技。理由有下列幾點：

生態管理角度

微細藻位於食物鏈最底層，屬基礎生產者。當基礎生產者組成發生變化時，整個生態係將導致不可預期的改變。當決策者（政府）決心發展這一項產業，是否能夠評估出：這項產業對其他產業或者生態環境產生的衝擊程度。另以經濟觀點來看，養殖微細藻產生的利潤（稅收），是不是大於屆時生態資源（漁業資源）改變，所需支付的社會成本？

以十幾年前台灣養殖草蝦為例，過去由於半淡鹹水的養殖方式，大量抽取地下水，造成今日沿海地區地層下陷以及地下水鹽化的問題。政府每年投入修築防波堤、抽水站的預算，遠大於當年養殖草蝦產生的外匯。再則，國內的法規落實程度不如其他先進國家。因此，發展微細藻的養殖以輔助農民，因應WTO之衝擊外，必須詳加考慮其對生態之影響，以免重蹈覆轍。

經濟角度

Table 7全球螺旋藻產量預估 西 元 緬 甸 智 利 中 國 古 巴 印 度 日 本 墨西哥 台 灣 泰 國 越 南 美國加州 美國夏威夷州 總數 1975-99 196 252 2585 252 1989 731 4895 1280 2246 104 4108 2962 21600 % 1% 1% 12% 1% 9% 3% 23% 6% 10% 0% 19% 14% 100% 自1993-1997年對全球的螺旋藻研究人員和養殖業者的訪查

　

　

　

各國在生產農產食品方面，開發中國家倚杖的是天然環境優越以及人事成本低廉，已開發國家的優勢則在於生產技術以及規模化。以美國為例，人事、固定（土地、機器設備）成本費用較高，但大量使用機器生產的方式，提高了生產效率。規模擴大後，更能分攤掉高額的固定成本。因此，在國際市場上，先進國家的農產品在價格上仍具競爭力。Table 7表示1998對全球螺旋藻產量所做的預估。已開發國家中，除美國之外，台灣只佔了全球的6﹪；日本更低，只有3﹪。Table 7並非說明日本、台灣的藻類生產技術低於其他如中國、古巴等國家，而是在陳述一件事實：固然日本、台灣的藻類生產技術高於大部分的國家，但是天然環境並沒有如美國擁有廣大的生產條件，可以做到規模化，因此產品的市場競爭力低，自然產量就無法提昇了（註：據了解，台灣的螺旋藻大部分仰賴國外進口，因此實際產量有可能低於Table 7之6﹪）。

 

Figure 1台灣、中國以及世界總產量變化趨勢

Figure 1表示雖然中國大陸生產螺旋藻的起步較晚，但以優越的自然條件及低廉的生產成本做後盾，短短數年間產量上，已漸能追上美國。

 

 

 

 

 

由生態、經濟的角度來看，難道我們就不能夠發展微細藻的研究了嗎？答案當然是否定的，其主要的決定點在於該朝什麼樣的型態發展。

以台灣新竹科學園區，產值最高的晶圓廠的例子來說明。「八吋晶圓」在整個生產鏈中並非利潤最大的部分，據矽谷的估計，整條生產鏈利潤最豐厚的部分在晶圓的前身—光纖棒的部分，估計約佔70﹪。換句話說，「八吋晶圓」只佔了30﹪不到。台灣在爭食這30﹪的「小餅」中，每年尚有數以百億計的產值。假若能掌握生產「光纖棒」的技術（生產晶圓材料上游技術），未來增加的利潤是以倍數成長的。問題就是台灣的基礎研究不足，無法生產出光纖棒，以致只能在30﹪中爭取微薄的利潤。

由此角度來看「微細藻」，我們能做些什麼？

由螺旋藻的營養組成分析，可以發現螺旋藻營養價值相當的高，並且研究指出在健康保健上，具有相當高程度的效用。更令人驚喜的是，目前還發現螺旋藻具有抗癌、抗病毒及提高身體免疫力的功效。假如我們將螺旋藻的研究定位在「食品」方面，天然環境上無法像美國般擴大規模生產，產品在國際市場上更無法與其他開發中國家競爭。

但假如定位在「藥品」呢？藥品不似食品動輒以「噸」計算，而是以「毫克」、「微克」計量，生產過程不用像農場一樣，在實驗室內就可以進行了。再者可以提高純度，增加療效。以這個思考方向出發，未來的工作重點在：

1.      更確實的做好微細藻的基礎研究：具經濟價值微藻之純化及保種，及其生物特性（即細胞之生理、生化之研究），大量繁養殖技術之確立。

2.      微藻天然物之純化、分析，及其醫藥用途之探討。

3.      將已定性的成分進行臨床實驗，分析出真正的作用機制以及使用計量。另外在分子生物方面：找出產生這些成分的作用基因，分離出這些基因片段。運用生化科技將基因片段接續至株種載體（如大腸桿菌），大量生產出這些具療效的成分。

附註：網路蒐集螺旋藻相關研究文獻

抗病毒研究
Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by an aqueous extract of Spirulina (arthrospira platensis).（利用液態螺旋藻粹取物質抑制HIV-1病毒的複製）

by Ayehunie S. (1), Belay A. (2), Hu Y. (1), Baba T. (1,3), Ruprecht R. (1). (1) Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; (2) Earthrise Farms, Calipatria, CA; (3) Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA. 7th IAAA Conference, Knysna, South Africa April 17, 1996.

Water extract of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) inhibits HIV-1 replication in human derived T-cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A concentration of 5-10 (mcg/ml was found to reduce viral production and/or syncytium formation of about 50%, and a concentration of 100 (mcg/ml showed a 90-100% inhibition without cytotoxicity. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for cell growth was computed to be between 2-6.5 mg/ml depending on the cell types used; the therapeutic index was >100. The extract also blocked Rauscher murine leukemia virus (RLV)-induced plaques by >95% at concentrations ranging from 75-150 (mcg/ml; the 50% reduction in plaque formation (the 50% effective concentration EC50) was at a concentration of 9-30 (mcg/ml. The extract directly inactivated HIV-1 infectivity when preincubated with virus prior to addition to human T-cell lines at similar inhibitory concentrations. （當在加入人體T-Cell前，將螺旋藻粹取物質與HIV-1一同培養時，螺旋藻粹取物能直接阻止HIV-1病毒的傳染性。）

 

Calcium Spirulan, an inhibitor of enveloped virus replication, from a blue-green alga Spirulina.（螺旋藻中的鈣-SP是胞膜病毒複製的抑制物）

by Hayashi et al. 1996. Pub. in Journal of Natural Products, 59, 83-87. Japan.

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of a hot H2O extract from a blue-green-alga Spirulina platensis led to the isolation of a novel sulfated polysaccharide named Calcium Spirulan (Ca-SP) as an antiviral principle. This polysaccharide was composed of rhamnose, ribose, mannose, fructose, galactose, xylose, glucose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, sulfate and calcium. Ca-SP was found to inhibit the replication of several enveloped viruses, including Herpes simplex virus type 1, human cytomegalovirus, measles virus, mumps virus, influenza A virus and HIV-1. It was revealed that Ca-SP selectively inhibited the penetration of virus into host cells. Retention of molecular conformation by chelation of calcium ion with sulfate groups was suggested to be indispensible to its antiviral effect. （實驗顯示，螺旋藻中的鈣-SP選擇性地抑制病毒對細胞的滲透性。以鈣離子和硫酸鹽群的鉗合方式來保持分子結構被認為是鈣-SP在抗病毒效果中是絕對必要的。）

 

An extract from spirulina is a selective inhibitor of herpes simplex virus Type 1 Penetration into HeLa Cells.（螺旋藻萃取物是具選擇性的Type 1單純庖疹病毒抑制物）

by Hayashi et al. 1993. Pub. in Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 7. 76-80. Japan.

The water soluble extract of spirulina achieved a dose-dependent inhibition of the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in HeLa cells within the concentration range of 0.08-50 mg/mL. This extract proved to have no virucidal activity and did not interfere with adsorption to host cells. However, the extract affected viral penetration in a dose-dependent manner. At 1 mg/ml the extract was found to inhibit virus-specific protein synthesis without suppressing host cell protein synthesis if added to the cells 3 hours before hamsters at doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg per day.

 

Antiviral activity of blue-green algae cultures.（藍綠藻培養物的具有抗病毒活性）

by Patterson. 1993. Pub. in Journal of Phycology 29, 125-130. USA.

Lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts from approximately 600 strains of cultured cyanophytes, representing some 300 species, were examined for antiviral activity against three pathogenic viruses. Approximately 10% of the cultures produced substances that caused significant reduction in cytopathic effect normally associated with viral infection. The screening program identified Chroocococcales as commonly producing antiviral agents. Key index words: antiviral, cyanobacteria, cyanophyte, herpes virus, HIV-1, HIV-2, human immunodeficiency virus, natural products, pharmaceutical, respiratory syncytical virus.

 

AIDS Antiviral sulfolipids from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).（來自藍綠藻抗AIDS病毒的硫脂）

by K. Gustafson, et al. August 16, 1989. Pub. in Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 81(16) pg. 1254. USA.

Sulfoglycolipids from blue-green algae exhibit strong antiviral properties. Helper T-cells exposed to blue-green algae-sulfoglycolipids were protected from HIV-1 infection in in vitro studies. （來自藍綠藻的硫醣脂顯現出強大的抗病毒特性。在試管實驗中，暴露於藍綠藻硫醣脂的輔助T-細胞能受保護，免受HIV-1病毒的感染。）

 

抗癌症研究

Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with spirulina. （以螺旋藻作為口腔癌化學預防法的評估）

by Babu, M. et al. 1995. Pub. in Nutrition and Cancer, Vol. 24, No. 2, 197-202. India.

The blue-green microalgae spirulina, used in daily diets of natives in Africa and America, has been found to be a rich natural source of proteins, carotenoids and other micronutrients. Experimental studies in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of spirulina algae on oral carcinogenesis. Studies among preschool children in India have demonstrated spirulina fusiformis to be a effective source of dietary vitamin A. We evaluated the chemoproventative activity of spirulina (1 g/day for 12 months) in reversing oral leukoplakia in pan tobacco chewers in Kerala, India. Complete regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) evaluable subjects supplemented with spirulina, as opposed to 3 of 43 (7%) in the placebo arm. When stratified by type of leukoplakia, the response was more pronounced in homogeneous lesions: complete regression was seen in 16 of 28 (57%) subjects with homogeneous leukoplakia, 2 of 8 with erythroplakia, 2 of 4 with verrucous leukoplakia, and 0 of 4 with ulcerated and nodular lesions. Within one year of discontinuing supplements, 9 of 20 (45%) complete responders with spirulina developed recurrent lesions. Supplementation with spirulina did not increase serum concentrations of retinal or beta carotene, nor was it associated with toxicity. This is the first human study evaluating the chemopreventive potential of spirulina. More studies in different settings and different populations are needed for further evaluations. （非洲與美洲原住民在每日飲食中所用的藍綠藻-螺旋藻被發現是蛋白質、類胡蘿蔔素和其他微營養素的豐富天然來源。以動物為實驗對象的研究結果顯示，螺旋藻對導致口腔癌物質具有抑制效果。幾項針對學齡前兒童的研究結果則顯示，螺旋藻是維生素A的有效來源。我們評估螺旋藻用於逆轉印度Keral地區口嚼式煙草使用者口腔黏膜白斑病的化學預防活性(每日食用量為1公克，為期12個月)。食用螺旋藻的44個研究對象中，22個人(45%)的口腔損害得到完全逆轉，43位食用安慰劑的參與者，只有3位(7%)的口腔損害得到完全逆轉。以口腔黏膜白斑病的種類分層時，同類口腔黏膜白斑病的反應更加顯著：28位同類口腔黏膜白斑病患者中，有16位(57%)得到完全的逆轉；8位口腔黏膜紅斑病患者中，有2位得到完全的逆轉；4位口腔疣性黏膜白斑病患者中，有2位得到完全的逆轉；8位潰瘍性和結狀損害患者中，沒有任何人得到完全的逆轉。停止食用螺旋藻一年內，20位損害得以完全逆轉的患者中9位(45%)患者的口腔重新出現損害。補充螺旋藻並沒有增加血清中視黃醛與beta-胡蘿蔔素的濃度，亦與毒性無關。這是第一個針對人體，評估螺旋藻作為口腔癌化學預防法潛力的研究。進一步的評估則需要在更多不同的族群與更多不同環境條件下繼續進行研究。）

 

Inhibitive effect and mechanism of polysaccharide of spirulina on transplanted tumor cells in mice.（螺旋藻多醣對移植田鼠身上的腫瘤細胞之抑制效果與機制）

by Lisheng, et al. 1991. Pub. in Marine Sciences, Qingdao, N.5. pp 33-38. China.

Polysaccharide of spirulina can inhibit the proliferation of ascitic heptoma cells of mice in the concentration of 200 mg/kg. It can inhibit the incorporation of H-thymidine, H-uridine and H-leucine into DNA, RNA and protein synthesis of sarcoma 180 and ascitic heptoma cells during the period of 24 hours after exposure in vitro. The degree of inhibition increases with the extending of incubation time. Polysaccharide of spirulina can inhibit DNA synthesis of sarcoma 180 and ascitic heptoma cells. The mechanism of inhibition belongs to DNA metabolism disturbance. （螺旋藻多醣能夠抑制肉瘤sarcoma 180 與腹部肝瘤ascitic heptoma細胞的DNA的合成。其抑制機制屬於對DNA新陳代謝的阻擾。）

 

Enhancement of endonuclease activity and repair DNA synthesis by polysaccharide of spirulina.（螺旋藻多醣能增強核酸內切酵素的活性及修補DNA合成）

by Qishen, P. et al. 1988. Pub. in Chinese Genetics Journal 15 (5) 374-381. China.

The influence of water soluble polysaccharide from spirulina platensis on excision repair of DNA was investigated by means of endonuclease assay and radioautography. The results showed that the presence of the polysaccharide enhanced significantly both the repair activity of radiation damaged DNA excision and the unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS). During the examination of the time course of the excision process, it was found that the presence of polysaccharide of spirulina not only increased the initial rates of the damaged DNA excision and the UDS, but also postponed the saturations of both important reactions of excision and repair DNA synthesis.

 

Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene.（以beta胡蘿蔔素來抑制實驗性的口腔致癌物質）

by Schwartz, et al. 1986. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Pub. in Carcinogenesis, May 1986 7(5) 711-715. USA.

Beta carotene was found to significantly inhibit the formation of squamous cell carcinoma of hamster buccal pouch when a soultion was applied topically three times weekly for 22 weeks in an experiment with 40 hamsters. In a second experiment with 80 hamsters, beta carotene was found to inhibit oral carcinogenesis in an initiation-promotion hamster buccal pouch system. Beta carotene inhibited both initation and promotion.（一項以40隻田鼠作為實驗對象的研究結果顯示，當Beta胡蘿蔔素水溶液每星期三次為期22個星期，直接擦拭於患處，Beta胡蘿蔔素被發現能夠有效的抑制田鼠頰袋的鱗狀細胞癌。第二項研究以80隻田鼠為實驗對象的研究結果顯示，Beta胡蘿蔔素被發現能夠抑制口腔至癌物質的開始作用與擴散。）

 

Prevention of experimental oral cancer by extracts of spirulina-dunaliella algae. by J. Schwartz, G. Shklar, et al. 1988. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Pub. in Nutrition and Cancer 11, 127-134. 1988. USA.

An extract of Spirulina-Dunaliella algae was shown to prevent tumor development in hamster buccal pouch when a solution was applied topically three times weekly for 28 weeks. Untreated control animals all presented gross tumours of the right buccal pouch. Animals fed canthaxanthin presented a notably and statistically significant reduction in tumour number and size compared with controls. Animals fed beta carotene demonstrated a smaller but statistically significant reduction in tumor number and size. The algae animals presented a complete absence of gross tumors. However, microscopic sections of the buccal pouch in the algae group showed localized areas of dysplasia and early carcinoma-in-situ undergoing destruction.

 

Beta胡蘿蔔素、癌症預防及改善健康
Bioavailability of spirulina carotenes in preschool children. （學齡前兒童對螺旋藻胡蘿蔔素的人體利用率）

by V. Annapurna, et al. 1991. National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India. J. Clin. Biochem Nutrition. 10 145-151. India.

The bioavailability of total carotenes and beta carotene from spirulina was examined in apparently healthy preschool children and found to be comparable to those values reported for other plant sources like leafy vegetables and carrots. The study also showed spirulina is a good source of Vitamin A, as there was a significant increase in serum retinol levels. Researchers concluded spirulina can be used as a source of Vitamin A in the diet, is relatively inexpensive, has higher beta carotene than any other plant source and can be cultivated throughout the year. （研究顯示，螺旋藻是飲食中優良的維生素A來源，能夠有效的增加血液中視黃醛的含量。）

 

Large scale nutritional supplementation with spirulina alga.

by C.V. Seshadri. 1993. All India Coordinated Project on Spirulina. Shri Amm Murugappa Chettiar Research Center (MCRC) Madras, India.

A one year feeding program with 5,000 pre-school children showed a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency, "Bitot's spot", decreased from 80% to 10%. These rural children near Madras consumed 1 gram of spirulina a day for at least 150 days. This small amount provided the daily requirement of beta carotene (Vitamin A) which can help prevent blindness and eye diseases. In another study with 400 school children, a daily dose of beta carotene from spirulina increased their Vitamin A status to the same level as those administered pure Vitamin A. Spirulina was given to children in a unique way: extruded noodles, sweetened with sugar to preserve the beta carotene. Called "Spiru-Om", it was well accepted by the children. This project was sponsored by the Indian Government.

 

Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene. （抑制實驗性的口腔致癌物質）

by Schwartz, et al. 1986. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Pub. in Carcinogenesis, May 1986 7(5) 711-715. USA.

Beta carotene was found to significantly inhibit the formation of squamous cell carcinoma of hamster buccal pouch when a soultion was applied topically three times weekly for 22 weeks in an experiment with 40 hamsters. In a second experiment with 80 hamsters, beta carotene was found to inhibit oral carcinogenesis in an initiation-promotion hamster buccal pouch system. Beta carotene inhibited both initation and promotion. （BETA胡蘿蔔素被發現抑制大田鼠口頰袋的鱗狀細胞癌之形成與擴散的效果卓越。）

 

Prevention of experimental oral cancer by extracts of spirulina-dunaliella algae.（以螺旋藻-Dunaliella藻類粹取物質進行的口腔癌預防實驗）

by J. Schwartz, G. Shklar, et al. 1988. Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Pub. in Nutrition and Cancer 11, 127-134. 1988. USA.

An extract of Spirulina-Dunaliella algae was shown to prevent tumor development in hamster buccal pouch when a solution was applied topically three times weekly for 28 weeks. Untreated control animals all presented gross tumours of the right buccal pouch. Animals fed canthaxanthin presented a notably and statistically significant reduction in tumour number and size compared with controls. Animals fed beta carotene demonstrated a smaller but statistically significant reduction in tumor number and size. The algae animals presented a complete absence of gross tumors. However, microscopic sections of the buccal pouch in the algae group showed localized areas of dysplasia and early carcinoma-in-situ undergoing destruction.

 

降低膽固醇

Cholesterol lowering effect of spirulina. （螺旋藻具有降低膽固醇的效果）

by N. Nayaka, et al. 1988. Tokai Univ. Pub. in Nutrition Reports Int'l, Vol. 37, No. 6, 1329-1337. Japan.

Thirty healthy men with high cholesterol, mild hypertension and hyperlipidemia showed lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL (undesirable fat) levels after eating spirulina for eight weeks. These men did not change their diet, except adding spirulina. No adverse effects were noted. Group A consumed 4.2 grams daily for eight weeks. Total serum cholesterol dropped a significant 4.5% within 4 weeks from 244 to 233. Group B consumed spirulina for four weeks, then stopped. Serum cholesterol levels decreased, then returned to the initial level. Researchers concluded spirulina did lower serum cholesterol and was likely to have a favorable effect on alleviating heart disease since the arterioscelosis index improved. （研究人員所下的結論是，螺旋藻可以降低膽固醇，由於動脈硬化指數亦得到改善，螺旋藻很可能對緩和心臟疾病具有良好效果。）

 

Clinical and biochemical evaluations of spirulina with regard to its application in the treatment of obesity. （以臨床與生化方式來評估利用螺旋藻治療肥胖的應用）

by E.W. Becker, et al. 1986. Inst. Chem. Pfanz. Pub. in Nutrition Reports Int'l, Vol. 33, No. 4, pg 565. Germany.

 

Effects of spirulina on hypercholesterolemia and fatty liver in rats. （螺旋藻對田鼠高膽固醇和脂肪肝的改善效果）

by T. Kato and K. Takemoto. 1984. Saitama Medical College. Pub. in Japan Nutr. Foods Assoc. Journal. 37:323. Japan.

Rats fed basal diets containing 1% cholesterol showed elevated total cholesterol, and phospholipids in serum. This was clearly reduced by rats fed basal diets containing 16% spirulina and 1% cholesterol.The results indicated spirulina may prevent dietary hypercholesterolemia and arterioscelerosis. Fatty liver caused by high fat and high-cholesterol diets was also reduced rapidly by feeding spirulina. （結果顯示，螺旋藻可以預防飲食高膽固醇及動脈硬化。由於高脂和高膽固醇飲食所造成的脂肪肝，在餵食螺旋藻後亦迅速得到改善。）

 

Effects of spirulina on plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in rats.（螺旋藻對田鼠血漿脂蛋白脂肪分解酵素活性的改善效果）

by K. Iwata. 1990. Pub. in Journal Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 36:165-171. Japan.

The effects of spirulina on lipoprotein lipase activity and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity in post-heparin plasma were studied in fructose-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Male Wistar rats aged 3 weeks old (body weight, 54g) were fed on the high-fructose diet (68%) or the high-fructose diets containing spirulina at the level of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, for 4 weeks. The dietary hyperlipidemia caused by the high-fructose diet was improved by spirulina feeding, accompanied by a significant increase in the lipoprotein lipase activity in post-heparin plasma. （高果醣飲食所引起的高脂肪血症在餵食螺旋藻後獲得改善，後肝素血漿中的血漿脂蛋白脂肪分解酵素活性已隨之增高。）

 

Hypocholesterolemic effect of blue-green algae spirulina  in albino rats. （螺旋藻對降低白田鼠膽固醇的效果）

by M.A. Devi and L.V. Venkataraman. 1983. Pub. in Nutrition Reports Int'l, 28:519-530. India.

 

The effect of spirulina on reduction of serum cholesterol. （螺旋藻降低血膽固醇的效果）

by N. Nayaka, et al. 1986. Tokai Univ. Pub. in Progress in Medicine, Vol. 36, No. 11. Japan.

 

減輕糖尿病和高血壓
Effect of water soluble and water insoluble fractions of spirulina over serum lipids and glucose resistance of rats.

by Y. Takai, et al. 1991. Pub. in J. Japan Soc. Nutr. Food Science, 44:273-277. Japan.

 

Effects of spirulina on plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in rats. （螺旋藻對田鼠血漿脂蛋白脂肪分解酵素活性的效果）

by K. Iwata. 1990. Pub. in Journal Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 36:165-171. Japan.

The effects of spirulina on lipoprotein lipase activity and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity in post-heparin plasma were studied in fructose-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Male Wistar rats aged 3 weeks old (body weight, 54g) were fed on the high-fructose diet (68%) or the high-fructose diets containing spirulina at the level of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively, for 4 weeks. The dietary hyperlipidemia caused by the high-fructose diet was improved by spirulina feeding, accompanied by a significant increase in the lipoprotein lipase activity in post-heparin plasma. （高果醣飲食所引起的高脂肪血症在餵食螺旋藻後獲得改善，後肝素血漿中的血漿脂蛋白脂肪分解酵素活性已隨之增高。）

 

食品與營養

Spirulina - Production & Potential. by Ripley D. Fox. 1996. Pub.（螺旋藻-生產與潛力）

by Editions Edisud, La Calade, R.N.7, 13090 Aix-en-Province, France. Tel: 42216144; Fax: 42215620.

This book gives the most complete and practical information on growing spirulina. It should be consulted by health authorities and development decisionmakers, by spirulina growers and it can be used as a teaching text in universities. Dr. Fox explains the history of the cyanobacteria, Arthrospira platensis, popularly known as the blue-green algae spirulina... its composition, growth requirements and methods for managing the culture (from village level artisanal production to large scale industrial farms). Health benefits are described, with emphasis on its usefulness for combatting malnutrition. Giant farms using seawater are proposed for providing spirulina as a food supplement for the millions of malnourished children living today. Dr. Fox sees spirulina as a million dollar commodity in the near future.

 

Algoculture: Spirulina, hope for a hungry world. （農業:  螺旋藻-飢荒世界的希望）

by Ripley D. Fox. 1986. Pub. by Edisud, Aix-en-Province, France (in French).

 

Current knowledge on potential health benefits of spirulina. （目前對螺旋藻健康助益之潛力的了解）

by Amha Belay and Yoshimichi Ota. 1993. Pub. in Journal of Appl. Phycology, 5:235-241. USA.

Spirulina is a microscopic algae, produced commercially and sold as a food supplement around the world. Until recently, interest in spirulina was mainly in its nutritive value. This is a critical review of data on therapeutic effects of Spirulina, ranging from reduction of cholesterol and cancer to enhancing the immune system, increasing intestinal lactobacilli, reducing nephrotoxicity by heavy metals and drugs, and radiation protection.

 

Health Benefits of Spirulina. （螺旋藻的健康助益）

by Denise Fox. 1993. In Spirulina, Algae of Life. April 1993. Bulletin No. 12. Pub. by Institute Oceanographique, Monaco.

 

Large scale nutritional supplementation with spirulina alga. （以螺旋藻作為營養補充劑的大規模專案）

by C.V. Seshadri. 1993. All India Coordinated Project on Spirulina. Shri Amm Murugappa Chettiar Research Center (MCRC) Madras, India.

A one year feeding program with 5,000 pre-school children showed a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency, "Bitot's spot", decreased from 80% to 10%. These rural children near Madras consumed 1 gram of spirulina a day for at least 150 days. This small amount provided the daily requirement of beta carotene (Vitamin A) which can help prevent blindness and eye diseases. In another study with 400 school children, a daily dose of beta carotene from spirulina increased their Vitamin A status to the same level as those administered pure Vitamin A. Spirulina was given to children in a unique way: extruded noodles, sweetened with sugar to preserve the beta carotene. Called "Spiru-Om", it was well accepted by the children. This project was sponsored by the Indian Government.

 

Microalgae as Food and Supplement. （微藻類作為食物與營養補充劑）

by Robert A. Kay. 1991. In Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutr. 30(6):555-573. Pub. by CRC Press. USA.

The microalgae chlorella, dunaliella and scenedesmus, and the cyanobacteria spirulina and aphanizomenon flos-aquae, are being used as nutrient dense foods and sources of fine chemicals. They have significant amounts of lipid, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoid, vitamins, minerals, and unique pigments. They may also have potent probiotic compounds that enhance health. Their historical and current use is reviewed.

 

Spirulina: a model for microalgae as human food. （螺旋藻:  作為人類食品的藻類模範）

by Alan Jassby. 1988. In Algae and Human Affairs. edited by Lembi and Waaland. Pub. by Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, UK.

This is an evaluation of the food potential of microalgae using proven technology. Numerous examples of traditional use of inland microalgae are cited from more than 15 countries. The nutritional aspects of spirulina stand out. Spirulina's safety for human consumption, food applications, economic and environmental aspects, world spirulina production, production costs and therapeutic applications are reviewed. How microalgae can address world hunger problems is addressed with mention of harvesting wild algae and village scale production systems.

 

Spirulina, the edible organism.（螺旋藻-可食用的微生物）

by Orio Ciferri. 1983. In Microbiological Reviews, Dec 1983. 551-578. Italy.

In depth review of the history, biology, chemistry and potential of Spirulina as a human and animal food. Subjects: taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemical composition, production, nutrition and toxicology, prospects for use as a food source.