Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Spirulina + Chlorella Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by SNAP

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Spirulina + Chlorella is a dietary supplement by SNAP with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 681 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Alfalfa, cracked cell Chlorella, Spirulina. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 9 active ingredients.
  • “SNAP Supplements Super Greens Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (2,300 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP is a capsule containing 9 ingredients: three are active supergreens—spirulina (a blue-green algae), chlorella (a freshwater green algae), and a proprietary blend labeled "SNAP Supplements Super Greens Complex." The other six active ingredients are barley grass, alfalfa, kale, oat grass, lemon juice powder, astragalus extract, and wheatgrass. The single inactive ingredient is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is the capsule material.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Barley) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyslipidemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Oats) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Barley) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Diabetes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Oats) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Gastric cancer — rated "Possibly Effective" (Oats) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence behind most of these ingredients is limited. Spirulina is possibly effective for high blood pressure, but evidence is insufficient for acne, hay fever, iron deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning.

Barley grass and oat grass are both likely effective for high cholesterol and heart disease. Kale's effectiveness hasn't been reliably established for the conditions studied—bladder and breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and menopausal symptoms.

Alfalfa, lemon juice, astragalus, wheatgrass, and chlorella all lack sufficient reliable evidence for their claimed uses in the data we hold. Chlorella is possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency, but evidence for brain tumors, fatty liver disease, depression, and fatigue is insufficient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Barley Alfalfa Kale Oats Lemon Astragalus Couch Grass

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 7 of the 9 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 9 of 9.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 9 of 9.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Most of these greens are generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, but side effects do occur. Spirulina, barley grass, alfalfa, oat grass, and chlorella commonly cause bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort—especially in the first week or two.

Spirulina can trigger serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in sensitive people (a rare case involved a 14-year-old). Alfalfa has caused a lupus-like syndrome in rare cases of chronic use.

Lemon juice powder at higher doses may cause heartburn and gastrointestinal upset. Barley grass contains gluten and can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Chlorella may cause photosensitization (sun-induced skin reactions). Quality varies widely across spirulina and chlorella products, and contamination with toxins or heavy metals is a real concern—some sources advise against use altogether due to this risk.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae Barley Alfalfa Kale Oats Lemon Astragalus Couch Grass

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 7 of the 9 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Lemon, Barley, Oats, Chlorella, among others.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 681 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (Coumadin, alfalfa and chlorella both contain vitamin K and may reduce their effect). Diabetes and insulin medications need review—spirulina, alfalfa, oat grass, and astragalus may lower blood sugar further.

Immunosuppressants (used after transplant or for autoimmune conditions) could be weakened by spirulina, alfalfa, and astragalus. Birth control and hormone therapy may be affected by alfalfa's estrogenic compounds.

Lithium levels could rise with astragalus. Sun-sensitizing drugs may have additive effects with chlorella.

The antifungal itraconazole (Sporanox) may reach higher levels if combined with lemon juice powder.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may appeal to people looking to add nutrient-dense greens to their diet, especially those interested in potential benefits for cholesterol and heart health (where barley and oat grass show some evidence). However, if you take warfarin, diabetes medications, insulin, immunosuppressants, lithium, or any blood-thinner or blood-sugar-lowering drug, you need to check with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting—the interactions could be significant.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are best discussed with your healthcare provider given the limited safety data and some ingredients' estrogen-like activity.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 9 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Spirulina + Chlorella, straight from the product label.

Brand SNAP
Barcode (UPC) 0643530161317
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 296751
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
4 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
0643530161317
IngredientAmount% DV
Spirulina0 NP--
Barley Grass0 NP--
Alfalfa0 NP--
Kale0 NP--
Oat Grass0 NP--
Lemon Juice, Powder0 NP--
Astragalus extract0 NP--
Wheatgrass0 NP--
cracked cell Chlorella0 NP--
SNAP Supplements Super Greens Complex2300 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

Spirulina + chlorella The most balanced superfoods known to man. Green algaes are a densely packed array of complete proteins, phytonutrients, and trace minerals.

Alkalizing greens complex Powerful Antioxidant Superfood complex

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: As a dietary supplement, take 4 capsules with food up to 2 times per day or as directed by your medical provider.

Storage

Store away from humidity, heat, and light. Do not refrigerate.

Precautions

If any reactions occur, discontinue use of dietary supplement and consult your doctor.

Warning: Do not exceed daily dosage. You should not take this product with alcohol.

This product should only be taken by healthy individuals at least 18 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or nursing, or have any other medical concerns.

Formulation

Manufactured in a FDA registered facility Manufactured in a GMP certified facility

Organic USDA Organic

Detox + balance diet

Certified Organic bt QAI

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in USA

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

SNAP Supplement Simple power of NATURE

See for yourself

Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size4 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

SNAP Supplements Super Greens Complex

2300 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Spirulina + Chlorella?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
681Drugs
2 Major 678 Moderate 1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Alfalfa 583
Spirulina 327

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Spirulina + Chlorella with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Alfalfa6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

cracked cell Chlorella2 drug types · 337 drugs

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chlorella might reduce the clinical effects of warfarin.
Chlorella contains significant amounts of vitamin K. There is at least one case report of warfarin therapy becoming sub-therapeutic after initiation of chlorella supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Astragalus extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Oat Grass2 drug types · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oats may have additive effects with antidiabetic agents and might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Consuming oats can decrease blood glucose in patients with diabetes. In those who require insulin, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Concomitant use of oats and insulin might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In patients with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, taking oats 100 grams daily for 2 days reduces the insulin dose required to achieve metabolic control.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Barley Grass1 drug type · 1 drug

Triclabendazole (Egaten)

Theoretically, barley might decrease the clinical effects of triclabendazole.
Animal research suggests that a diet supplemented with barley can reduce the bioavailability of triclabendazole when taken concomitantly. This effect has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lemon Juice, Powder1 drug type · 1 drug

Itraconazole (Sporanox)

Theoretically, taking itraconazole capsules or tablets with a beverage containing lemon might increase the levels and clinical effects of itraconazole.
In one case report, dissolving itraconazole tablets in a small amount of specific beverages containing lemon prior to administration increased the level of itraconazole in a lung transplant patient. In this case, the increased bioavailability was desirable and was likely due to improved tablet dissolution in the acidic beverage.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Spirulina + Chlorella, from the product label.

SNAP

See all SNAP products
Name
SNAP Supplements
Street Address
11012 NE 39th St., Suite C5
City
Vancouver
State
WA
ZipCode
98682
Phone Number
1-888-491-5043
Web Address
snapsupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP: Common Questions

Does Spirulina + Chlorella by SNAP interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Spirulina + Chlorella has a known interaction with 681 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Spirulina + Chlorella contains 9 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this product have any gluten?
Barley grass, one of the nine ingredients, contains gluten. If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this product is not a safe choice for you.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Data on this product in pregnancy is limited. Alfalfa, in supplement amounts, is rated possibly unsafe because of its estrogen-like activity. Barley grass and lemon juice supplements lack good safety data in pregnancy, as does astragalus. Kale, oat grass, and oats themselves are considered likely safe as food, but the concentrated forms here are less studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety data while breastfeeding is limited for most of these ingredients. Kale eaten as food is considered safe, and oats are generally fine, but the supplement forms and other ingredients—especially alfalfa, barley grass, lemon supplements, astragalus, wheatgrass, and chlorella—lack enough reliable human data. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.
What are the most common side effects I might experience?
Bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea are the most frequently reported, especially in the first week or two. Starting with a lower dose and increasing slowly, as well as taking it with food, may help these effects subside.
Is this product checked for quality and contaminants?
The product facts note that quality varies widely in spirulina and chlorella products, and contamination with toxins and heavy metals is a real concern. This isn't a guarantee about SNAP's specific batches—check the product label or contact the manufacturer for their testing and quality standards.
Can this replace a multivitamin?
The facts we have don't establish this product as a proven multivitamin replacement. While these greens contain nutrients, effectiveness for specific health conditions varies widely, and most claims lack sufficient reliable evidence. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it fits your individual needs.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Spirulina + Chlorella is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Spirulina + Chlorella label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Spirulina + Chlorella’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Barley

Interacts with 1 drug

Barley is a nutritious whole grain that is a good source of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has solid evidence for modestly lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol when eaten regularly. It...

Read the full Barley monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Alfalfa

Interacts with 583 drugs

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of these uses is limited. It is best avoid...

Read the full Alfalfa monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Eaten as a normal food it is very healthy for most people, but it is a whole food...

Read the full Kale monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Oats

Interacts with 86 drugs

Oats are a well-studied whole grain whose soluble fiber (beta-glucan) can help lower cholesterol and support heart health when eaten regularly. As a food, oats are safe for most people, and...

Read the full Oats monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Lemon

Interacts with 1 drug

Lemon is a common citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and citric acid, and it is widely used in food, drinks, and home remedies. While it can support hydration and a healthy diet...

Read the full Lemon monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Astragalus

Interacts with 208 drugs

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While early studies are interesting, strong h...

Read the full Astragalus monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Couch Grass

Couch grass is a common lawn weed whose rhizome has long been used in traditional European herbal medicine, mainly for urinary and bladder complaints. High-quality human studies are lacking,...

Read the full Couch Grass monograph →
Herb & supplement monograph

Chlorella

Interacts with 337 drugs

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies suggest possible benefits for cholesterol, blo...

Read the full Chlorella monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Spirulina + Chlorella's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 112 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae monograph →

Barley 15 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Fernandez-Anaya S, Crespo JF, Rodriguez JR, et al. Beer anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:959-60.
  3. Lembo A, Camilleri M. Chronic constipation. N Engl J Med 2003;349:1360-8. . PubMed
  4. Ferre, I., Giraldez, F. J., Alvarez-Bujidos, M. L., and Mantecon, A. R. Influence of barley supplement on plasma concentration of triclabendazole metabolites in sheep. Vet.Rec. 11-22-1997;141(21):549-551. PubMed
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Kale 2 references
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Lemon 2 references
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Astragalus 13 references
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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