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Sp7.0
Spirulina Research
Likely helps
144 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Spirulina appears to help in 12 of 14 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2007–2026 with a typical study size of 415 participants.
Based on 144 studies · 33 meta-analyses · 68 RCTs · 36,297 total participants
Confidence
High confidence
What the studies found
12helped2unclear· 130 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Heart & blood pressure
Likely helps132 studies
Weight management
Likely helps21 studies
InflammationBetter cholesterol and blood pressure · 8-12 weeks
98 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2026
200720162026
1Meta-Analysisn=822 · large study2026
High-quality, multi-center RCTs incorporating mechanistic endpoints are needed to clarify optimal application and to develop athlete-specific recommendations.
Wei Y et al. · Nutrients (2026)
Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model.
Regarding recovery, CK concentrations were significantly reduced (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.28 to -0.28).
Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the main findings with minimal evidence of publication bias.
2Systolic blood pressure reductionMeta-Analysisn=1,583 · large study2025
Consuming over 3 g/day of whole edible algae, especially Spirulina, for at least 12 weeks significantly lowers BP, particularly in those with elevated levels.
Casas-Agustench P et al. · Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association (2025)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Likely real
Edible algae intake significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP: -2.05 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.80, -0.31; p = 0.022) and diastolic BP (DBP: -1.87 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.10, -0.64; p = 0.001).
Heterogeneity was high for SBP (Q-value: 230; I2 = 75%; p < 0.001) and moderate for DBP (Q-value: 102; I2 = 68%; p < 0.001).
Consuming over 3 g/day of whole edible algae, especially Spirulina, for at least 12 weeks significantly lowers BP, particularly in those with elevated levels.
3Systematic ReviewCited 3×n=3,582 · very large study2025
Despite generally favorable results, the studies varied considerably in design and quality; nonetheless, herbal extracts represent a prominent category of natural interventions in AD and MCI, underscoring the need for further large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to confirm their therapeutic potential.
Bayo Jimenez MT et al. · International journal of molecular sciences (2025)
These extracts showed potential cognitive and neuroprotective benefits, although results varied across compounds and study designs.
Other natural compounds-including flavonoids, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, Aloe vera, Spirulina, and citrus phytochemicals-may provide cognitive and neuroprotective benefits, with ginseng and Ginkgo biloba combinations also showing promise.
Curcumin and Melissa officinalis had limited effects, resveratrol showed mixed outcomes with some side effects, and matcha green tea may improve cognition and sleep quality.
4Body weight reductionMeta-AnalysisCited 11×n=6,171 · very large study2023
We conducted random-effects network meta-analysis with a Frequentist framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% confidence interval [CI] of the effect of nutraceuticals on weight loss.
Shahinfar H et al. · Pharmacological research (2023)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
We conducted random-effects network meta-analysis with a Frequentist framework to estimate mean difference [MD] and 95% confidence interval [CI] of the effect of nutraceuticals on weight loss.
Supplementations with green tea (MD: -1.25 kg, 95%CI: -1.68, -0.82) and glucomannan (MD: -1.36 kg, 95%CI: -2.17, -0.54) demonstrated small weight loss, also the certainty of evidence was rated low.
Based on our findings, supplementations with nutraceuticals can result in a small weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.
The findings of the present meta-analysis and review show the usefulness of supplementing with Spirulina in improving serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C.
Rahnama I et al. · Pharmacological research (2023)
The findings of the present meta-analysis and review show the usefulness of supplementing with Spirulina in improving serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C.
7Systematic ReviewCited 16×n=1,621 · large study2022
Further research in this field is needed to confirm the possible clinical role of Spirulina supplementation in parallel with medical therapies.
Calella P et al. · International journal of food sciences and nutrition (2022)
Despite variability in research methodology and patient conditions, the findings of these studies generally support the benefits of supplementing diet with SP in subjects with both transmittable and non-transmittable diseases.
Improvements were found for all the conditions studied, with the only exception of male infertility.
However, the number of clinically controlled trials examining the effects of SP on specific health conditions is still very low, and some studies show medium quality.
8Systematic ReviewCited 19×n=1,306 · large study2021
Furthermore, it was the only molecule that functioned in synergy with other drugs that are already well established for the treatment of cancer.
Silva MROBD et al. · ACS chemical biology (2021)
In general, compounds from Arthrospira spp. act as anticancer agents by inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, triggering cell cycle arrest, and inducing apoptosis via different signaling pathways.
In addition, these compounds also exhibited antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic activities.
Phycocyanin demonstrated better efficacy against several types of cancer via different activities and therapeutic targets.
9Identification of immunostimulatory herbal supplementsSystematic Reviewn=469 · medium study2025
We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
Weiner JD et al. · Lupus science & medicine (2025)
No clear effect
← WorseNo effectBetter →
We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
This article may serve as a reference to help clinicians counsel patients with autoimmune skin diseases on the risks associated with use of specific herbal supplements.
10Body weight reductionMeta-AnalysisCited 10×n=765 · large study2021
Hence, studies of this nature need to be further replicated and improved to corroborate the efficacy and safety of the CATs to combat weight issues.
Lua PL et al. · Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (2021)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses and 11 additional RCTs with 765 participants (50.2% overweight and 49.8% obese) related to hypnotherapy, acupuncture and dietary supplements met the inclusion criteria.
Their results suggested that spirulina, chitosan, probiotic, EPA + DHA, vitamin D, fiber, and herbal extract supplementation may all provide small reductions in body weight (ranging from 1-10 kg).
Interestingly, hypnotherapy and acupuncture reported significantly greater reduction in body weight compared with placebo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively).