Spirulina for Mental Health

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Anxiety, Stress medications

Disqualifiers: Depression, Pregnancy, Competitive athlete, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether spirulina, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae, can enhance mood and mental sharpness in healthy adults. Participants will take 3 grams of spirulina daily for eight weeks, while others will receive a placebo made from pea powder for comparison. This study is ideal for members of the ASU campus community who are generally healthy and have no history of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on natural supplements and mental health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any medications, including antidepressants, anxiety, or stress medications, as well as any drugs or supplements that could affect mental abilities.

Is there any evidence suggesting that spirulina is likely to be safe for humans?

Studies have shown that spirulina is generally safe for consumption. Research indicates that spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, serves as a safe food supplement with no major side effects reported. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it may help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Spirulina has been used to improve sleep quality, mental health, and overall well-being. Although more studies are needed, current findings suggest that most people tolerate spirulina well and can safely include it in their daily diet. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Spirulina is unique because it harnesses the power of a natural blue-green algae that is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which is not commonly used in mental health treatments. Unlike standard treatments for mental health conditions, such as antidepressants and therapy, which often focus on chemical imbalances or behavioral changes, spirulina offers a potentially new approach by providing essential nutrients that may support brain health and reduce inflammation. Researchers are excited about spirulina because it could offer a natural and well-tolerated alternative with fewer side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking more holistic treatments.

What evidence suggests that spirulina might be an effective treatment for mental health?

Research has shown that Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, might benefit brain health. Some studies suggest it reduces inflammation and protects cells, which could aid the brain. For instance, one study found that daily Spirulina intake improved sleep and mental health. However, other research found no significant effects on mood or cognitive abilities. In this trial, participants will receive either Spirulina capsules or a placebo to further investigate its potential benefits. While Spirulina appears promising, more research is needed to confirm its mental health benefits. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Healthy adults aged 18-65 from the ASU university campus, who don't have chronic or acute diseases, autoimmune conditions, and do not excessively consume alcohol, smoke, use recreational drugs or follow restrictive diets.

Inclusion Criteria

No autoimmune conditions

Do not consume alcohol in excess, smoke, or use recreational drugs

Do not follow restrictive diets

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant or breastfeeding

I have been diagnosed with depression.

I am taking medication that could affect my mental abilities.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 3g of Spirulina or placebo daily for 8 weeks

8 weeks

Visits at baseline and week 8

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Spirulina

Trial Overview

The trial is testing if taking Spirulina capsules (3g daily) for 8 weeks can improve mood and mental sharpness in healthy adults compared to a placebo group.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: spirulina capsules Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

six capsules daily (totaling 3 g)

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Pea powder - 6 capsules daily

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Recruited

109,000+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8839264/

Beneficial Effects of Spirulina Consumption on Brain Health

This review focuses on the role of Spirulina in the brain, highlighting how it exerts its beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

2.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.70082

Effectiveness of an Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) Softgel ...

Sleep quality, sleep latency, and mental health improved after Arthrospira platensis daily softgel supplementation. Further clinical studies, ...

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12392570/

Effects of spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis supplementation on ...

No significant effects were found for emotional wellbeing, health distress, social function, cognitive function, sexual satisfaction, overall ...

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06936202

Effects of Spirulina Supplementation on Mental Health in ...

It is evident that Spirulina supports brain health through neuroprotection, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and hormone regulation. Research ...

5.

jpccr.eu

jpccr.eu/pdf-189444-112000

Spirulina maxima supplementation: benefits and limitations

While some research suggests promising outcomes, the overall evidence is still limited, and further rigorous clinical trials are needed to ...

6.

webmd.com

webmd.com/diet/spirulina-health-benefits

Spirulina – Benefits and Side Effects

Because spirulina is high in nutrients and antioxidants, it may help lower inflammation in the body. It may improve your immune system and heart ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3136577/

Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human ...

At the moment, what the literature suggests is that Spirulina is a safe food supplement without significant side-effects but its role as a drug remains to be ...