Spirulina Powder
Arthrospira platensis
B Limited clinical evidenceA protein-rich blue-green alga. Meta-analyses of small studies found modest falls in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; choose tested products.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
Spirulina is a blue-green microalga (Arthrospira); about 60% of its dry weight is protein, plus iron, beta-carotene and phycocyanin. Meta-analyses of small trials suggest 1–8 g a day may modestly lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Most of its vitamin B12 is in a form inactive in humans. Poor-quality products can contain toxins and heavy metals.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Small studies suggest it may help modestly lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. [1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Supported by small-scale human clinical studies, though sample size and study quality are limited.
How do we rate evidence levels? →A source of protein, iron and beta-carotene; not a reliable source of vitamin B12. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Mix the powder into smoothies, yoghurt or juice; studies used 1–8 g daily.
Amount: 1–2 times daily
Duration limit: 12 weeks (in studies)
[1]Safety & interactions
- Use only products tested for microcystins and heavy metals; contaminated products can harm the liver.
- People with phenylketonuria (PKU) must not use it (contains phenylalanine).
- With autoimmune disease (lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis) ask a doctor, as it may stimulate immunity.
- Not a reliable B12 source for vegetarians.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Immunosuppressants | May reduce their effect by stimulating immunity. [2] | Moderate |
| Anticoagulants | Could theoretically raise bleeding risk. [2] | Minor |
Side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, bloating
- Headache
- Liver damage with contaminated products
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
The Aztecs harvested spirulina from Lake Texcoco and ate it as cakes called "tecuitlatl". [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is spirulina a B12 source?
Not reliably; most of its B12 is inactive in humans.
Does spirulina help weight loss?
Small studies saw very small effects; it does not cause weight loss alone.
Is spirulina safe?
Tested products are usually well tolerated; contaminated ones can contain toxins.
Sources
- Herbs at a Glance: Evidence-Based Fact Sheets on Botanical ProductsNIH NCCIH · 2024
- EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible ConcernEFSA · 2022
Cite This Page
Spirulina Powder (Arthrospira platensis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/spirulina-powder/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Okra Seed
C Laboratory / animal evidenceAbelmoschus esculentus
A nourishing seed with fibre, protein and mucilage. There is no scientific evidence for its popular use for knee pain or joint fluid.
Red Pepper Flakes
A Strong clinical evidenceCapsicum annuum
Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small.
Black Seed
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe.
Black Seed Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma.
Cumin
B Limited clinical evidenceCuminum cyminum
An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control.
Hibiscus
B Limited clinical evidenceHibiscus sabdariffa
A sour, red tea. Meta-analyses of small clinical trials found it slightly lowered blood pressure in mildly high blood pressure.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Clay, Soap & Other)
Clay, Soap & Other →
Horse Chestnut
A Strong clinical evidenceAesculus hippocastanum
Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers.
Saw Palmetto
A Strong clinical evidenceSerenoa repens
Saw palmetto fruit extract may help urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement; raised INR has been reported with warfarin.
Arnica
T Traditional useArnica montana
Gels and creams with arnica flower are used only on the skin for bruises, sprains and localised muscle pain; never on broken skin or by mouth.
Witch Hazel
T Traditional useHamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel leaf is used on the skin for minor inflammation and dryness, for haemorrhoid itching and burning, and as a mouth gargle.
