Klamath algae belongs to the family of blue-green algae, among which we know Spirulina. Queen of the algae, it is the most balanced and complete food known to date, with a cocktail of 115 highly assimilable nutrients: proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids, antioxidants.
Klamath exists only in the wild and in one place in the world: Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon (USA). A high-altitude lake that benefits from exceptional sunshine and is fed by richly mineralized filtered water, thanks to miles of volcanic rock. It is because it benefits from exceptional climatic conditions and because it is preserved from pollution that this algae is considered to be the richest food on the planet.
The Klamath algae would stimulate the production, release and migration of stem cells. These cells are present in particular in the bone marrow and have a regenerative potential of tissues. The body thus has a greater capacity to regenerate and repair all tissues and organs and to slow down the ageing process.
"Increase in the rate of stem cells in circulation one hour after ingestion of this alga in humans. This property can be explained (by in vitro and in vivo tests) by the presence in this alga of a ligand modulating the expression of a signal allowing the synthesis of new cells. "
Ollier A ''Utilisation des algues dans les compléments alimentaires: Usages et justifications scientifiques.'' PhD thesis in Pharmaceutical Sciences (University of Grenoble). 2017.
American researchers have discovered a significant concentration of phenylethylamine (PEA) in the Klamath algae. This molecule would boost brain activity and intellectual capacities: it would improve the capacity for concentration, memory, energy and physical and mental resistance.
"The phycocyanins, present in the Klamath algae extract, are powerful natural inhibitors of MAO-B, thus enabling PEA to reach the brain and perform its action. "
Cremonte M et al., ''The Effect of Experimental Supplementation with the Klamath Algae Extract Klamin on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.'' Journal of medicinal food. 2017; 20(12): 1233-1239.
Highly concentrated in PEA (phenylethylamine), a molecule known colloquially as the "love molecule" or "joy molecule", Klamath is said to stimulate the production of happiness hormones, such as serotonin. It would thus act on mood, joy and emotional well-being.
"Being PEA deeply involved in the amine modulation inside the nervous system, the increase of PEA levels might explain the higher feeling of psychological well-being in the participants. "
Scoglio S et al., ''Effect of a 2-month treatment with Klamin®, a Klamath algae extract, on the general well-being, antioxidant profile and oxidative status of postmenopausal women.'' Gynecological Endocrinology. 2009; 25(4): 235-240.
The antioxidants present in Klamath would detect toxins and heavy metals nestled in the tissues and organs. They would capture them and then eliminate them through the kidneys, unlike other algae that only catch them but do not eliminate them.
"It may be possible that AFA, due to its potential antioxidant properties, improved renal functions via attenuating oxidative stress-mediated decline in GFR and renal hemodynamics. "
Kuriakose G C and Kurup M G, ''Evaluation of renoprotective effect of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in rats.'' Renal failure. 2008; 30(7): 717-725.
Klamath algae is said to boost natural defenses through its detoxifying power and antioxidant properties. The polysaccharides it contains are said to stimulate white blood cells and help the immune system defend itself more easily and quickly.
"A significant body of data suggests that blue-green algae immunoenhancing properties could be useful in the adjunct treatment of various diseases involving 1) suppressed or exhausted immune system, and 2) inappropriate immune response including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions. "
Jensen G S, Ginsberg D I and Drapeau C, ''Blue-green algae as an immuno-enhancer and biomodulator.'' J. Am. Nutraceutical Assoc. 2001; 3: 24-30.
American researchers have discovered a significant concentration of phenylethylamine (PEA) in Klamath algae. PEA is a molecule that acts on mood and boosts brain activity and intellectual capacity. Studies have also shown a reduction in behavioural disorders in children, such as hyperactivity, stress at school or dyslexia.
"This specific extract of Klamath can help combat the ageing of neuronal functions, reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue, control appetite, promote intellectual activity and improve mood. "
Menvielle-Bourg J F, Vitacca A and Scoglio S, ''Klamath algae and its nutritional properties. A specific extract with neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects.'' Phytotherapy. 2011; 9(3).
Thanks to its gamma-linolenic acid, the Klamath alga would operate a regulating action on the appetite, the digestive system (liver and pancreas), and would facilitate the intestinal transit.
" In agreement with these findings, we observed that the AFA extract has a prebiotic effect and an antioxidant activity that are not lost after thermal stress, indicating that it could regulate the gut microbiota composition. "
Nuzzo D et al., ''Heat-Resistant Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract (Klamin®) as a Functional Ingredient in Food Strategy for Prevention of Oxidative Stress.'' Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2019.
The Klamath algae would be a specific nutritional aid to help women to pass gently the course of the menopause. Its concentration in plant hormones, vitamin K and vitamin B12 would contribute to reduce menopausal disorders (relaxation of tissues, hot flushes, mood disorders).
" Since the Klamath extract did not show steroid-like effects on the hormonal parameters, it could be proposed as valid integration for those women seeking for alternative treatment to hormonal therapy so that to overcome many of the menopausal symptoms. "
Genazzani, A. D., et al. ''Effects of Klamath Algae extract on psychological disorders and depression in menopausal women: a pilot study.'' Minerva ginecologica 62.5 (2010): 381-388.