Herbs & Supplements

Arthrospira Scientific Name: Spirulina Other Names: BGA, Blue-Green Algae, Cyanobacteria, Cyanophyta What side effects should I watch for? Pure spirulina has not been reported to cause any side effects. However, other types of blue-green algae may be mixed with it, especially if it is harvested from wild algae. If algae from the genus Microcystis are included, liver damage may result. Symptoms of liver damage, which may be apparent between one-half hour and 24 hours after ingesting Microcystis, include: Excessive fatigue Extreme widespread itchiness Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Pain or swelling in the upper right part of the abdomen Yellowing of the skin or the white parts of the eyes << Back What interactions should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.