Gigartina Red Marine Algae

Gigartina Red Marine Algae is rich in sulfated polysaccharides, substances known to inhibit certain viruses. The effects are most noticeable in relation to certain influenza and herpes viruses. 

• Benefits - Herpes, Shingles, Influenza
• Healthy -  Immune Response
• Supports - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Research has isolated and identified a number of sulfated polysaccharides from sea plants that improve immune function. In addition, several RMAs of the family Gigartinaceae have been identified as the richest sources of sulfated polysaccharides. The king of them all is Gigartina skottsbergii.

The immune support benefits of RMA are presumed to be locked in their content of sulfated polysaccharides as explained above. In addition, red macro algae are known to contain a high level of plant sterols and sterolins. These fatty alcohols and alcohol-sugar complexes are now known to stimulate the human immune response even though only a small fraction (2%-4%) of plant sterols are ever absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is possible then that Gigartina RMA provides a two-pronged stimulus to the immune response.

The National Institutes of Health database contains human clinical trials indicating that sulfated polysaccharides in Gigartina may help counter...

Herpes 1 (HSV-1) -- oral cold sores 

Herpes 2 (HSV-2) -- genital herpes

Varicella-Zoster Virus(VSV) – shingles

Herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) – implicated in Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein Barr (EBV) -- mononucleosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Influenza viruses