Media Release

An Extract of Spirulina is Found to Have a Beneficial Effect on Eye Health

A group of scientists from Shandong Eye Institute, Qingdao, China reported in the journal, Molecular Vision, that topical application of a polysaccharide extract of Spirulina to cornea of mice prevented vascularization (blood vessel invasion) of the cornea when such corneal damage was induced by an alkali burn.

A normal cornea is free from blood vessels and obtains its oxygen from the air. However, inflammation caused by lack of oxygen, immunological conditions, and contact lens wear among others, can encourage blood vessel invasion from under the cornea creating a condition known as corneal neovascularization (CNV). CNV is generally accompanied with an inflammatory response and always represents a state of disease.

The researchers studied CNV using six different assays to conclude that “polysaccharide extract from Spirulina platensis is a potent inhibitor of CNV and that it may be of benefit in the therapy of corneal diseases involving neovascularization and inflammation”.

“This is a significant finding since a high percentage of extended soft contact lens wearers suffer from this condition” says Amha Belay, Ph.D., Sr. Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Earthrise Nutritionals.

Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC is the largest producer of Spirulina in the USA. Our root extends back to 30 years producing high-quality Spirulina in the Southern California desert. We have grown into a company with a solid base of quality Spirulina and Spirulina-based products, distributed in over 20 countries around the globe.