Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Tincture, Dried Algae Liquid Extract

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Tincture, Dried Algae Liquid Extract

A single-herb liquid extract of dried plant material of Arthrospira platensis, cold-macerated in small batches and offered either as a traditional tincture in organic sugar-cane alcohol or as a vegetable glycerite.

What you get

• One herb, named to species. Nothing in the bottle but Arthrospira platensis — the botanical name is printed on the label, so you always know which plant you bought.
• Cold maceration, never heated. The herb steeps at room temperature rather than being boiled or spray-dried, so the volatile and heat-sensitive fractions stay in the liquid.
• Your choice of menstruum. Organic sugar-cane alcohol for a traditional tincture, or a vegetable glycerin extract with no ethanol in it.
• Ethically wild-harvested or sustainably sourced. Wild material is bought from harvesters who work stands on rotation rather than stripping them.
• Nothing else added. No added sugar, no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances. Non-GMO and gluten-free.
• Made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility.
• Sizes from 2 fl oz to 2 gallons, including multi-packs — the same extract whether you are trying it or restocking.

About the plant

Spirulina is not an alga in the strict sense but a cyanobacterium — a photosynthetic bacterium — and under a microscope its filaments are wound into a neat open helix, which is where the name comes from. It grows in warm alkaline lakes, and it was food long before it was a supplement: the Aztecs skimmed it from Lake Texcoco and called it tecuitlatl, and the Kanembu around Lake Chad still dry it into cakes they call dihe.

Ingredients

Tincture: Arthrospira platensis, organic sugar-cane alcohol, distilled water, vegetable glycerin USP.
Glycerite: Arthrospira platensis, vegetable glycerin USP, distilled water.

No added sugar. Contains no artificial colours, preservatives or fragrances.

Suggested use

Shake well before use. Take 20–30 drops (about 1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 2 oz of water or juice, up to 4 times daily, or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Warnings

Not for use by anyone with phenylketonuria — spirulina is high in phenylalanine — or by anyone with an autoimmune condition or taking immunosuppressants. Spirulina grown in open water can be contaminated with microcystin-producing cyanobacteria, so sourcing and testing matter here.

Reported interactions: Moderate interaction with Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants): Spirulina has an immune stimulating effect on the body. When improving the immunity, spirulina can reduce the efficacy of Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others. Simultaneous consumption of the blue-green algae and listed medications must be under doctor’s supervision.  

Keep out of reach of children. Not for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are taking any medication, have a medical condition, or are scheduled for surgery, consult a healthcare practitioner before use. Discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs. Do not use if the tamper seal is broken or missing. Store tightly capped in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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. Actual packaging may carry different or additional information; always read the label before use.