Contact:
Kristen McCarthy, The Phelps Group, 310-752-4400
Lance Sigal, Earthrise Nutritionals, 949-623-0980

HUMAN CLINICAL STUDY SUPPORTS ANTI-ALLERGY EFFECTS OF SPIRULINA-BASED NUTRACEUTICAL IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS PATIENTS

IRVINE, Calif., March 18, 2005 - A recent clinical study involving 36 allergic rhinitis patients has demonstrated that ingesting only 2g of spirulina a day provides a significant reduction in the level of Interluken-4 (IL-4) in the body. IL-4 is produced by certain immune cells and is responsible for the production of the antibody, Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which mediates symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted by a University of California, Davis, group, led by Dr. Eric Gershwin, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

"This is the first time that a nutraceutical has been shown to have beneficial effects on the machinery that causes human allergies," Gershwin said. "While further studies are planned, we are pleased that Spirulina ¾ a material rich in anti-oxidants and containing other important nutrients ¾ has clear potential to help people with allergies".

"This study is very significant in that it proved, in a human clinical study, what has been found in many other animal and in vitro studies, including a previous study by the UC Davis group, about the anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of Spirulina" said Dr. Amha Belay, Sr. Vice President and Scientific Director of Earthrise Nutritionals LLC.

Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC is the leading producer and a 25-year pioneer in the field of Spirulina production and marketing, and a leader in research on various applications of Spirulina. Corporate offices are located in Irvine, California, with production facilities in Calipatria, California. Earthrise is part of the worldwide DIC Group of companies, based in Tokyo. For more information on Earthrise products, visit www.earthrise.com or contact Lance Sigal, Director of Marketing, or Ron Henson, V.P. Bulk Sales, 2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 258, Irvine, CA 91612, 800-949-7473.