DUMONTIACEAE- RED MARINE ALGAE
By Kent Farfield
What is it?
Dumontiaceae is a family of red marine algae.
What does it do?
This therapeutic super food provides the body with a full array of nutrients including complete protein, complex carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and sulfated polysaccharides. Dumontiaceae’s medicinal properties are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response, indicating that it is an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent.
Why is it needed?
Poor diet, environmental imbalance and our stressful lifestyle have left our bodies in a state of nutritional deficiency, resulting in a myriad of physiological imbalances, one of the most dangerous being an impaired and weakened immune system.
How does it work?
Upon digestion, this whole food complex with its synergistic nutrients is rapidly assimilated and absorbed. In particular, the sulfated polysaccharides are thought to support the immune system’s antiviral response by activating lymphocyte production. This induces the formation of antibodies, which boosts T-cell production, inhibiting viral pathogenesis. For example, Dumontiaceae has been shown to support the body's specific immune response to control and reduce the Herpes Simplex Virus population, stopping or lessening the occurrence and severity of outbreaks.
Red Marine Algae as a Super Food:
Red marine algae has been used by people as a food staple for thousands of years. In the Chinese Materica Medica, a volume dating back to 600 B.C., we find the following statement, “Some algae are a delicacy fit for the most honorable guest, even for the king himself.” (Porterfield, 1922). In China, Japan and the Indo-Pacific region, several dozen species of red algae are used.
Upon digestion, Dumontiaceae’s broad spectrum of nutrients is rapidly assimilated and absorbed by the body. A nutritional analysis of this red marine algae shows it to be composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids.
The unique combination of nutrients found in Dumontiaceae is important in the following ways:
It is complete protein with all the essential amino acids - unlike most plant foods. Complete proteins are crucial because they are involved in all major metabolic processes, such as energy production, rebuilding and enzyme production. It has a high carbohydrate content. It contains both simple and complex carbohydrates which affect a quick but sustained release, providing the body with an excellent source of additional fuel for its many constant energy needs. In particular, the sulphated complex carbohydrates are thought to enhance the immune system’s regulatory response. It contains an extensive fatty acid profile, including Omega 3 and Omega 6. These essential fatty acids also play a key role in the production and availability of body energy. It has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in a naturally occurring, synergistic design. For example, it contains an excellent magnesium to calcium ratio of 2:1, and potassium to sodium ration of 4:3.
Dumontiaceae’s Medicinal and Therapeutic Usefulness:
Over the last 25 years there has been an increased scientific understanding of biological specificity and its’ subsequent relation to the body's immune system. Current research on Dumontiaceae suggests a breakthrough in the discovery of natural immunomodulatory and antiviral agents. It all started when intensive studies of marine organisms began in the 1970’s to locate potential sources of pharmacologically active agents. In a search for anti-herpetic substances, studies of California red marine algae proved to be particularly interesting (Ehresmann et al., 1977, 1979; Hatch et al., 1979; and Richards et al., 1978). One study conducted, by a Senior Research Fellow of the chemistry department at G.D. Searle & Co., Dr. Raphael Pappo, Ph.D., demonstrated the algae’s beneficial effects on people with Herpes Simplex Virus I and II. Several years of study suggested to Dr. Pappo that the red marine algae assists the body’s specific immune regulatory response and plays a key role in preventing the recurrence of the virus. More recent research on extracts of red marine algae suggest that specific carbohydrates (sulfated polysaccharides) may inhibit both the DNA and RNA of viral infections and may operate both outside and within our infected cells (Baba et al., 1988, Mitsuya et al., 1988, Ueno and Kuno, 1987. ) Work done in this area has shown sulfated polysaccharide compounds suppressed retroviral replication and inhibited viral reverse transcriptases (Solomon et al., 1966, Schaffrath et al., 1976). A study done by Neushul (1990) showed that nearly all of the 39 species of marine red algae, including the family Dumontiaceae, also contained and exhibited an inhibitory substance that suppressed retroviral replication and inhibited viral reverse transcriptases. Studies by Nakashima et al., (1987, 1988) support the hypothesis that a common immunomodulatory cell wall carbohydrate, like carrageenan, is a type of heparin receptor molecule, binding to a cell and triggering a specific cellular response sequence. Carrageenan may also be internalized into infected cells, thus inhibiting the virus. It also may inhibit fusion between infected cells (Neushul, 1990, Gonzales et al., 1987) suggesting that sulfated polysaccharides inhibit a step in viral replication subsequent to viral internalization but prior to the onset of late viral protein synthesis. In conclusion, the research indicates that the polysaccharides act as an immunomodulatory agent.
Because of the severity of the present AIDS epidemic and the debilitating effects of Herpes Simplex and Epstein- Barr, it is becoming more important than ever to re-examine the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of red marine algae.
Supreme Red Marine Algae
By Kent Farfield
Therapeutic Application for Newly Discovered Marine Algae
Researchers in the mid-seventies and early eighties were exploring rare algae that potentially modeled immunomodulatory activity in humans. Investigations revealed some thirty species that enhanced the immune system's regulatory response and were shown to be antiviral. The more promising part of this discovery was the antiviral specificity of each species towards a variety of pathogens.
Current research on red marine algae, Dumontiaceae, has exhibited promising results in controlling and reducing both Candida and Herpes Simplex Virus populations. Patients have reported a stopping or lessening of growth within the body. Researchers believe these special algae may serve as a gateway to resist or even cure many bacteria, fungi and viral pathogens. Could algae, commonly known as ocean vegetables, be one of the most important new therapeutic foods? Scientific research has only reinforced the medicinal and nutritional importance of ocean vegetables. Numerous cultures have used ocean vegetables to complement their healthy diet. Ocean vegetables were most commonly used to prevent aging and prolong life. Since all life evolved from the sea, we may think of the ocean as a vast nutritional soup that lies untapped as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource.
Red Marine Algae as a Super Food
A nutritional analysis of red marine algae shows it to be composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids. As a complete protein, it supplies all the essential amino acids - unlike most plant food. Complete proteins are crucial because they are involved in all major metabolic processes such as energy production, rebuilding and enzyme production. As an energy food high in carbohydrates, it provides the body with an excellent source of additional fuel for its many constant energy needs. In particular, the polysaccharide carbohydrates are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response. As a super food it has an abundance of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in a naturally occurring design necessary for optimal energy utilization.
Red Marine Algae- A Key to Wellness
Red marine algae can restore nutritionally what we need in order to function on basic levels. This is very important because it allows a body’s internal balance to naturally affect the growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses before they become harmful. We cannot completely stop pathogens from living in our body; however, we can inhibit their activity. We can accomplish this goal by preserving a healthy climate within our body where fair weather and sunny skies are the order of the day. This is extremely important as bacteria, fungi and viruses thrive in dark, moist, contracted areas of the body. The ancient life-giving balance we receive from red marine algae takes on new meaning when understood as a major step towards strengthening our immune system.
Red Marine Algae Supports Us and Our Immune System
Red Marine Algae
Maintaining a strong, healthy immune system is of the utmost importance. The ease with which so many individuals acquire infections and are subject to viral conditions suggests that we are all relatively weak in our ability to resist pathogens. When the immune response is inadequate to meet the challenge of an invading pathogen, the agent escapes destruction and is able to multiply and chronically persist in the tissues.
Red marine algae is capable of working on multiple levels to strengthen the body and solidify its primary defense system. This is accomplished in several ways:
First and foremost, returning to whole foods from the ocean can help realign our bodies to the ancient life-giving balance. Any immune disorder causes a severe mineral deficiency. Red marine algae is rich in minerals and is organized in such a way that the body can utilize them easily. Minerals and trace elements are the key to restoring and maintaining proper acid/alkaline balance in the body.
When a proper acid/alkaline balance is not maintained, the body falls into a state of degeneration. Acid conditions develop which create a chronic stage of disease. Too much acidity allows yeast, virus, rebellious cancer cells and various other parasites to thrive. Acidity also leads to conditions such as chronic fatigue, AIDS, arthritis and allergies. The effect of red marine algae is to create an alkaline reaction in the tissues in order to rebuild healthy tissue. Red marine algae provides a nutritional base for improved digestion. Improved digestion enhances organ function and thereby nourishes the colon, liver and adrenals. Proper function of these organs reduces tension, helps us live with stress and enables our bodies to maintain a more constant vitality.
Conclusion
The powers of ocean vegetables have been sought for thousands of years for their ability to prolong life, prevent disease and enhance life. Ocean vegetables contain ten to twenty times the minerals of land plants, as well as an abundance of vitamins and other elements necessary for proper metabolism. Each ocean vegetable exhibits a distinct nutrient profile and a selective nature for its medicinal use. Current research has now established a link between nutrient-rich red marine algae and the body’s immune system response. Our ability to survive in a hostile environment that may seem out of control demands that we take steps to recover our health and maintain our immunity. Therein ocean vegetables may be one of our most important allies in a changing world.
Red Marine Algae and Herpes
By Kent Farfield
Long-term relief for Herpes? Alternative treatment may help!
One casualty of the drug approval process is a red marine algae in the family of Dumontiaceae. Research on antiviral carbohydrates from marine red algae indicates a high potential for low-cost, broad spectrum antiviral agents. Further research in the family of Dumontiaceae produced two patents where clinical efficacy for Herpes I and II was clearly shown. The treatment was effective for treating subjects (e.g. human patients) both prior to and subsequent to herpes infection. It was used topically to alleviate symptoms associated with herpes infections or preferably systemic, by oral administration, to eradicate the virus and thereby prevent symptom recurrence. No side effect or toxicity were noted. This treatment, which now must be considered alternative, suggests a breakthrough in the discovery of natural immunomodulatory and antiviral agents. Recent research and gathering of anecdotal evidence on the health benefits and antiherpetic action of the red marine algae, Dumontiaceae, has yielded much promise. Its use as a topical has been further documented and thought superior to acyclovir. It was shown to be clinically effective against herpes zoster infections as well. Anecdotal reports from patients suffering from Epstein Barr (another herpes virus) and Candida have shown marked improvement in a short period of time through oral administration (systemic). General health benefits show red marine algae useful in weight-loss programs and for lowering cholesterol and fat in the blood. It contains soothing, mucilaginous gels such as algin, carregeenan and agar, which specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Once thought of as a liability that blocked assimilation, the tough cell wall in Dumontiaceae has been found to be invaluable. It binds with heavy metals, pesticides and carcinogens and carries these toxins safely out of the body. Contained within the cell walls are simple sugars called complex polysaccharides These long chained complex sugars stimulate interferon productions as well as other anti-tumor and immune-enhancing activity (improving activity of T- and B- cells). Other compounds in the cell walls are related to those found in friendly bacteria which fortify and strengthen our immune systems to fight against invading organisms and toxins.
Although the effect of long term use of an alternative treatment such as the red marine algae, Dumontiaceae, has not been clinically substantiated, edible seaweeds have been consumed for thousands of years and are considered safe, nutritious and beneficial. The added dimension that science has uncovered surrounding its antiviral immunomodulatory potential opens up a whole new source of food that could serve to palliate or even hopefully cure virally caused diseases. Since most life derived from the sea, the novel idea that the ocean lies untapped as perhaps our greatest medicinal resource is entirely possible and may be critical to our human survival.
1. Baba, et. al., “Mechanism of inhibitory effect of dextran sulfate and heparin in replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro,” Proc Natl. Acad. Sci 85:6132-6136. 1988
2. Barbul, A. et. al., “Arginine stimulates lymphocyte immune response in healthy human beings,” Surgery 90: pp 244-251. 1984
3. Cole and Sheath, (Ed.), Biology of the Red Algae, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1990.
4. Dieg, et. al., “Inhibition of herpes virus replication by marine algae extracts,” Antimicrb. Ag. Chemother. 6:524-525.1974
5. Dieg, et. al., “Evaluation of extracts of marine algae for antiviral activity in experimental herpes simplex infections of infant mice,” In Fifty-second Technical Progress Report, Section 4, Naval Biosciences Laboratory, School of Public health, University of California, Berkeley, 1977
6. Diego, et al., “Development of dermal lesions in adult mice infected with herpes simplex virus: application of the model in the evaluation of anti herpes virus substance from marine algae,” Office of Naval Research, University of California Sea Grant program, Unpublished.
7. Ehresmann, et. al., “Antiviral properties of algal polysaccharides and related compounds,” In H.A. Hoppe, et. al., (ed.), Marine Algae in Pharmaceutical Science, W. de Gruyter, N.Y.: 293-302. 1979
8. Ehresmann, et. al. “Antiviral substances from California marine algae,” J. Phycol. 13: 37-40.1979
9. Gonzales et. al., “Polysaccharides as antiviral agents: antiviral activity of carrageenan,” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 31:1388-1393.1987
10. Hallinan, et. al., “Inhibition of reverse transcriptase by polyvinyl sulfate (PVS),” Cancer Biochem. Biophys. 98:97-101.1981
Please review the following articles on Pure Planet’s Red Marine Algae.
Click here to view and download this article: Immunity_Boosting.PDF
Red Marine Algae vs. Herpes
Sourced from: The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living/ Volume 7, Number 2
If you would like to control your herpes outbreaks without unduly relying on the drug acyclovir or if you are seeking to reduce you dosage and you want to try natural health, red marine algae deserves serious consideration. A long series of scientific studies has confirmed that red marine algae has potent antiviral applications and that, when used as a medicinal food, could play and important complementary role for people who are susceptible to herpes conditions, including genital herpes and shingles, as well as other viral conditions.
Red marine algae is rich in sulfated polysaccharides, which exhibit many biological properties such as antiviral and anticoagulant activities. In a general overview on red marine algae, provided by researchers at the Naval Biosciences Laboratory, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, it was noted that administration of red marine algae polysaccharides prevented death in 70 percent of mice receiving lethal amounts of murine pneunmonia virus and that aqueous extracts of four members of the red marine algae family “protected infant mice against herpes simplex-induced encephalitis.” Meanwhile, a report form the Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, shows that an extract from red marine algae “selectively inhibited the reproduction of herpes virus type 1 and type 2 in cell cultures.” In higher concentrations, “the extract exhibited strong extracellular virus inactivating activity.”
PRESCRIPTION FOR COMPLEMENTARY HEALING OF HERPES
Pure Planet Red Marine Algae Plus combines the antiviral properties of red marine algae with Spirulina (also with antiviral benefits). It is pure whole food in a vegetarian capsule that utilizes no binders, fillers, or other types of additives. Red Marine Algae Plus has many nutritional benefits and is useful in detoxification and overall healthy immune function.
Availability-Red Marine Algae Plus from Pure Planet is available at health food stores and natural health centers. If you need help to find Red Marine Algae Plus, contact Pure Planet toll free at 800.695.2017 or visit their website at www.pureplanet.com.
References:
Serkedjieva, J. “Antiherpes virus effect of the red marine alga Polysiphonia denudata.” Z naturforsch [C], 2000;55(9-10):830-835
Red Marine Algae helps Heal Herpes
Sourced from: The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living/ Volume 7, Number 3
We’ve recently received a number of testimonials from people who have used Red Marine Algae PlusTM form Pure Planet in cases of herpes outbreaks. Although we cannot say these testimonials mean you will receive the same results, the supportive use of red marine algae in such cases makes medical sense.
Red Marine Algae Background
Red marine algae has been shown to strengthen the body’s immune system enabling individuals to control and even reduce many viral infections such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster (which causes the painful disease shingles in adults and chicken pox in children). The active components in red marine algae, sulfated polysaccharides, are thought to support the immune system’s antiviral response by increasing the production of lymphocytes in the thymus. This increase helps stimulate the formation of T-cells and antibodies, which attack and slow down the growth of the virus.
The pharmaceutical industry has long been aware of the benefits of re marine algae in strengthening the body’s immune system. However, as we have often seen, attempts to isolate the beneficial sulfated polysaccharides from the algae continue to be unsuccessful. The whole is greater than the parts. After intense research on the positive qualities of red marine algae in the treatment of herpes and other viral infections, Pure Planet began to offer Red Marine Algae Plus. Many studies now suggest the positive benefits of red Marine algae on viral syndromes. Thus, if you are battling viral infections adding Red Marine Algae to your support program as an additive treatment could well prove beneficial.
In Vitro Anti-Viral Effects of Red Marine Algae Extracts Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2.
James B. Hughes, Ph.D. and Ronald M. Lowry SeaTech Bioproducts Corp.
Introduction.
Polysaccharide components of various marine algae have been reported to inhibit the growth of animal viruses. The plaque assay method has become the standard method for demonstration of inhibitory activity. This assay has been used to demonstrate in vitro antiviral activity against Encephalomyocarditis virus, polio virus, Coxsackievirus B4, Hepatitis A Virus, Herpes Simplex Type I (HSV-l), Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2), HIV-I, Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) among others. In several of these studies, the anti-viral activity was attributed to specific polysaccharides present in the algae. Multiple mechanisms were proposed for the antiviral activity, including blockage of viral binding sites on the cell membrane surface. In support of this argument, two sulfated polysaccharides, heparin and dextran sulfate, were show to have antiherpes activity. Subsequent studies have identified other possible mechanisms for antiviral activity including the identification of algae components which act as inhibitors. of enzymes required for virus infection of cellular hosts. Many of the more effective antiviral agents were found in the red marine algae (Phylum Rhodophyta) including members of the Order Gigartinales (Genera Dumontia, Cryptosiphonia and Gigartina). In the present study extracts from three representative species were tested for anti herpes activity using a plaque reduction assay.
Preparation of Extracts.
Three samples of RMA were tested. Two samples of finely ground powder were provided by Vibrant Health (Lakeville, CT) and identified as Cryptosiphonia woodii (sample 1) and Dumontia contorta (sample 2). Sample 3 was collected by SeaTech and identified as Gigartina. Each sample was screened through standard 100 mesh. Equal portions of each powder (25 grams) were extracted with 250 ml of aqueous buffered media at room temperature and neutral pH for 30 minutes with vigorous agitation. The samples were centrifuged at 3,000 x G for 15 minutes and the liquid phase removed. Solid pellets were resuspended in aqueous medium and the extraction process repeated a total of three times. The three extracts were combined, dialyzed against water, and lyophilized. Dried extracts were reconstituted with deionized water. Cells and Viruses.
Vero cells were grown in Eagle’s minimum essential medium (MEM, Gibco) supplemented with 5% inactivated calf serum. For maintenance medium (MM) serum concentrations were reduced to 1.5%. Six strains of HSV-l and two strains of HSV-2 were assayed in the antiherpetic tests. One strain of HSV-I and HSV-2 were from the American Type Culture Collection and were used as reference. Two strains were clinical isolates. Strain 5 and 6 were resistant to acyclovir.
Anti-HSV Assay.
Antiviral activity was evaluated by a plaque reduction assay. Cell monolayers grown in 24-well plates were infected with about 50 PFU of virus per well in the absence or presence of various concentrations of the test extracts. Two replicates per each dilution were tested. After 1 hour absorption, residual inoculum was discarded and the cells were fed with MM containing 0.7% methyl cellulose and the corresponding dose of test extract. Plaques were counted after two days of incubations. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated as the compound concentration required to reduce the virus plaques by 50%. Dextran sulfate and heparin were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and used as reference compounds.
Cytotoxicity Assay.
Cytotoxicity was evaluated by incubating Vero cell monolayers with maintenance medium containing 2 fold serial dilutions of the extracts for 48 hours at 37°C. Medium was then removed, the cells were trypsinized and the number of viable cells was determined by the trypan blue exclusion method. The 50 % cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) was defined as the level of extract that caused a 50% reduction in the number of viable cells. The cytotoxic effect of the extracts was also evaluated on actively growing cells. For this assay cells were seeded in 24 well plates at 2 x 104 cells per well and allowed to adhere during a 3 hour incubation period at 37°C. Then varying concentrations of the test extracts in MEM supplemented with 5% calf serum wee added to each well. MEM-5% calf serum without extract was used as the control. After 48 hours of incubations at 37°C, the number of viable cells was determined and the CC50 was calculated as indicated.
Results.
The antiherpetic activity of the different extracts was evaluated by plaque reduction assay agains HSV -1 and HSV -2. Dextran sulfate and heparin were used as reference substances. When extracts prepared from sample 3 (Gigartina) were tested against HSV-l, an IC50 value of 0.7 ug ml-I were recorded. Gigartina extracts were also effective against the two Herpes strains that were reported to be resistant to acyclovir. Parallel tests against HSV -2 provided IC50 values of 0.5 ug ml-1. Similar plaque reduction assays using sample 1 (c. woodii) extracts and sample 2 (D. contoria) extracts indicated very little antiherpetic activity. IC50 values were> 1000 ug ml for both extracts. Control assays with dextran sulfate (MW8000) and heparin provided IC50 values of 2.1 and 1.3 ug ml' respectively.
No cytotoxicity was observed with any of these extracts when cell activity was evaluated in the preformed monolayers of Vero cells in the presence of concentrations up to 1000 ug ml of extract. The effect of the three extracts was also assessed with actively growing cells. When the extracts were added after seeding cells, the increase in cell number after 48 hours of incubation was not affected by the presence of any of the three extracts. The values of CC50 in dividing cells was greater than 1000 ug ml, similar to the values obtained with resting cells in monolayers.
Discussion.
The extract from Gigartina demonstrated strong antiherpetic activity when tested in a plaque reduction assay using six different strains of human herpes virus. These same extracts demonstrated no cellular toxicity against either resting or actively dividing Vero cells. In contrast, extracts from either C. woodii or D. contorta did not show strong antiherpetic activity. The reason is unclear. C. woodii is believed to contain antiherpetic components. However, we have been unable to locate any report in the available scientific literature which clearly described the methods used to demonstrate this activity. It is possible that the standard extraction conditions used in this study are not optimal for the solubilization of the antiherpetic compounds from either C. woodii or D. contorta. Published research clearly indicates that within the Red Algae (Rhodophyta) there are several species with strong antiviral and anti tumor activities.. However, these properties are apparently not universal to all members of this Phylum. Likewise, there are reports of seasonal differences within single species, with the concentration of antiviral compounds being influenced by the stage of growth of the organism. Finally, the anti-viral compounds can be affected by handling conditions. Alkaline treatment can cause some sulfated polysaccharides to form cyclized derivatives which have significantly lower antiviral activity than the native compounds. High heat used in drying can also denature polysaccharides causing a loss of biological activity. Since we were not involved in the harvest or subsequent handling of the C. woodii and D. contorta samples, it is. impossible for us to conclude why the antiherpetic activity of these two particular samples was low.