Spirulina for Allergic Rhinitis
C Some Evidence Limited evidence from small studies, but some positive signals exist.A 2020 comparative trial found spirulina was more effective than cetirizine (a standard antihistamine) in improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Earlier studies show enhancement of NK cell function in a majority of subjects.
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C
The Bottom Line
A 2020 comparative trial found spirulina was more effective than cetirizine (a standard antihistamine) in improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Earlier studies show enhancement of NK cell function in a majority of subjects.
Key Study Findings
Controlled Clinical Trial
6 weeks
Supplementation With Spirulina platensis Improves Tracheal Reactivity in Wistar Rats by Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative …
Dose: 50 mg/kg/day
vs: OVA-sensitized control without Spirulina
Outcome: Tracheal reactivity to acetylcholine and citric acid
Effect: None
None
Population: OVA-sensitized Wistar rats
Other
12 weeks
Can selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation ameliorate sepsis outcomes in selenium-deficient animals?
Dose: 92%
vs: None
Outcome: by ICPMS
Effect: or 4
None
Population: None
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=76
Open-label
Effect of nasal irrigation on allergic rhinitis control in children; complementarity between CARAT and MASK …
Dose: None
vs: Control group
Outcome: symptom control, assessed by the control of allergic …
Effect: None
p = 0.035
Population: Allergic rhinitis patients
In Vitro
Immunomodulatory and Inhibitory Effect of Immulina®, and Immunloges® in the Ig-E Mediated Activation of RBL-2H3 …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: IgE-mediated TNF-alpha and histamine release
Effect: None
None
Population: RBL-2H3 mast cells
Review
Benefits, pitfalls and risks of phytotherapy in clinical practice in otorhinolaryngology.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: Otorhinolaryngology patients (phytotherapy)
Review
Recent Patents of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: allergic rhinitis patients
Key Statistics
3
Studies
150
Participants
↑
Positive
C
Grade
Referenced Papers
Frontiers in pharmacology
2022
5 citations
Physiological reports
2021
3 citations
Clinical and translational …
2020
20 citations
Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica …
2020
11 citations
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2018
23 citations
European annals of …
2017
16 citations
Recent patents on …
2015
16 citations
ISRN allergy
2013
19 citations
Current opinion in …
2009
26 citations
European archives of …
2008
91 citations
'Complementary ENT': a systematic review of commonly used supplements.
Systematic Review
The Journal of …
2007
39 citations
Journal of medicinal …
2005
195 citations
Zhong nan da …
2005
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 1-3 g/day
- immunesupport:
- 3-10 g/day
Upper limit: No established UL; 10 g/day widely studied
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg/kg/day | 6 weeks | Positive | -- |
| 92% | 12 weeks | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 76 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Neutral | 230 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
Best taken: With or without food
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Gastrointestinal discomfort
- ⚠ Headache
- ⚠ Allergic reactions (rare)
- ⚠ Contamination risk from wild-harvested sources (microcystins, heavy metals)
- ⚠ May exacerbate autoimmune conditions (immunostimulatory)
Known Interactions
- ● Immunosuppressant medications (may counteract immunosuppression)
- ● Anticoagulants (may have additive effects)
- ● Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
Tolerable upper intake: No established UL; 10 g/day widely studied
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Spirulina help with Allergic Rhinitis?
Based on 3 studies with 150 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Spirulina may support Allergic Rhinitis management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
How much Spirulina should I take for Allergic Rhinitis?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1-3 g/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Spirulina?
Reported side effects may include Gastrointestinal discomfort, Headache, Allergic reactions (rare), Contamination risk from wild-harvested sources (microcystins, heavy metals). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Spirulina and Allergic Rhinitis?
We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 3 peer-reviewed studies with 150 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Allergic Rhinitis
References
- [1] Aline de F Brito et al.. Front Pharmacol. 2022. Supplementation With Spirulina platensis Improves Tracheal Reactivity in Wistar Rats by Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.826649 PubMed
- [2] Thomas Castel et al.. Physiol Rep. 2021. Can selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation ameliorate sepsis outcomes in selenium-deficient animals? doi:10.14814/phy2.14933 PubMed
- [3] Dimitrios I Mitsias et al.. Clin Transl Allergy. 2020. Effect of nasal irrigation on allergic rhinitis control in children; complementarity between CARAT and MASK outcomes. doi:10.1186/s13601-020-00313-2 PubMed
- [4] Morteza Nourollahian et al.. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2020. Clinical comparison of the efficacy of spirulina platensis and cetirizine for treatment of allergic rhinitis. doi:10.14639/0392-100X-N0139 PubMed
- [5] Kurt Appel et al.. Plants (Basel). 2018. Immunomodulatory and Inhibitory Effect of Immulina®, and Immunloges® in the Ig-E Mediated Activation of RBL-2H3 Cells. A New Role in … doi:10.3390/plants7010013 PubMed
- [6] O Laccourreye et al.. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2017. Benefits, pitfalls and risks of phytotherapy in clinical practice in otorhinolaryngology. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2016.11.001 PubMed
- [7] Kam L Hon et al.. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2015. Recent Patents of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Allergic Rhinitis. doi:10.2174/1872213x10666151119144718 PubMed
- [8] Ibrahim Sayin et al.. ISRN Allergy. 2013. Complementary therapies in allergic rhinitis. doi:10.1155/2013/938751 PubMed
- [9] Li-Xing Man. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009. Complementary and alternative medicine for allergic rhinitis. doi:10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283295791 PubMed
- [10] Cemal Cingi et al.. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008. The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis. doi:10.1007/s00405-008-0642-8 PubMed
- [11] P D Karkos et al.. J Laryngol Otol. 2007. 'Complementary ENT': a systematic review of commonly used supplements. doi:10.1017/S002221510600449X PubMed
- [12] T K Mao et al.. J Med Food. 2005. Effects of a Spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients. doi:10.1089/jmf.2005.8.27 PubMed
- [13] Li-lan Chen et al.. Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2005. [Experimental study of spirulina platensis in treating allergic rhinitis in rats]. PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.