The potential medical benefits of algae

The potential medical benefits of algae


A potential treatment for the common cold might have emerged from the primordial soup as long as a billion years ago.

Scientists believe our favorite aquatic species, algae, could offer a way to fight the cold and other viruses, including COVID-19. They are examining whether a molecule that is a waste product of a type of algae called spirulina [SPEER-ruh-lee-Nuh] holds hope to end our sniffles and sneezes.

You may have heard of blue-green spirulina and might have seen it at the supermarket. It’s known as a superfood because it’s high in protein and key vitamins. The 16th century Aztecs skimmed lakes with nets or shovels to harvest it. Today, it is a common dietary supplement.

Now Scottish scientists report promising initial results after extracting molecules from the algae. They’ve grown some in the laboratory and pulled from it something called cyanobacteria [sai-a-no-bacteria], which can disrupt viral transmission and helps tune the immune system to fight infection.

Cyanobacteria, itself an alga [al-guh], obtains energy through photosynthesis and is a central player in algae blooms harmful to water ecosystems.

If researchers can harness the antiviral properties of cyanobacteria, they say it might be effective against a broad range of viruses, from the common cold to potentially deadly infections like COVID-19.

Scientists say they are now working to purify the molecules to produce these valuable ingredients.

We’re not quite at the point of curing the common cold. But who knows, maybe doctors one day will instruct their patients to take two algae pills and call them in the morning.

 

 

Related Episodes