CyaninPlus^TM Key Properties

CyaninPlus^TM is a proprietary cyanophyta extract derived from Arthrospira platensis, a cyanophyta cultivated for human consumption.  The primary component of CyaninPlus^TM is Phycocyanin (PC), which is known to act as an antioxidant and a selective COX-2 inhibitor. In addition to Phycocyanin, CyaninPlus^TM  contains anti-inflammatory compounds different from PC with complementary anti-inflammatory properties.

Phycocyanin is the major component in the light harvesting complex of cyanobacteria. In the human body, Phycocyanin can act to inhibit the inflammatory cascade (such as inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2) enzymatic activity) and quench free radicals involved in the inflammation pathway.

COX-2 enzyme is responsible for the formation of various prostaglandins and thromboxanes involved in inflammation and the sensation of pain associated with injuries and joint discomfort. Phycocyanin has been shown to be one of the most potent natural COX-2 inhibitors, highly effective in alleviating pain and chronic inflammatory conditions.

CyaninPlus^TM also contains bioactive compounds different from PC that have been shown to modulate inflammation by interacting in five of the six biochemical pathways regulating inflammation. These pathways include: (1) prevention of free radical formation, (2) COX-2 inhibition, (3) quenching free radicals, (4) inhibition of lipoxygenase, and (5) reducing inflammatory behavior of cells.

In experiments, purified Phycocyanin and CyaninPlus^TM were compared for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In both cases, the purified Phycocyanin did not have the same activity as the CyaninPlus^TM extract.

The reduction of ROS formation by PC was not shown to be as potent as CyaninPlus^TM when compared in similar doses, and the inhibitory effect of migrating PMN toward inflammatory cytokines was shown to be greater in CyaninPlus^TM. The results of both experiments indicate there are additional anti-inflammatory compounds contained within CyaninPlus^TM. Furthermore, the data show CyaninPlus^TM inhibits both COX-2 and Lipoxygenase enzyme activities.

Product Characteristics

CyaninPlus™                Arthrospira platensis Algae Water Extract

Order                            Oscillatoriales

Family                          Phormidiaceae

Genus                          Arthrospira

Species                        Arthrospira platensis

Physical Characteristics

Appearance                   Powder (2 - 70 mesh)

Color                             Brilliant Blue

Odor / Taste                  Slight marine

Moisture                        2 - 7%

Density                         0.2 - 0.7 g/ml

Phycocyanin                 > 30 %

Nutritional Information (1 gram serving size)

Typical Composition               

Calories                        3.50

Calories from Fat           0.20

Total Fat                       0.03 g

      Saturated Fat          0.02 g

      Trans Fat                0.00 g

Cholesterol                    0.00 g

Sodium                        14.60 mg

Total Carbohydrates       0.12 g

      Dietary Fiber            0.08 g

      Sugars                    0.01 g

Protein                          0.07 g

Phycocyanin              400.00 mg 

Vitamins                                 

B1 (Thiamine)              59.00 mcg

B2 (Riboflavin)              45.00 mcg

B3 (Niacin)                    0.41 mg

B5 (Pantothenic Acid)    2.62 mcg

B6 (Pyridoxine)              6.33 mcg

B12 (Cobalamin)            2.05 mcg

E (alpha-tocopherol)       None Detected

C (Ascorbic Acid)          None Detected

Biotin                            0.50 mcg

Folic Acid                      5.48 mcg

Minerals                       

Calcium                        2.13 mg

Chromium                     0.10 mcg

Iron                               0.60 mg

Magnesium                    5.42 mg

Manganese                  28.30 mcg

Potassium                   32.10 mg

Selenium                     None Detected

Zinc                             28.00 mcg

Microbiology

Total Plate Count                                  Less than 10,000 cfu/g

Total Coliforms                                      Less than 100 cfu/g

Mold & Yeast                                        Less than 1,000 cfu/g

S. Aureus                                             Less than 100 cfu/g

E. Coli                                                  Negative / 10 grams

Salmonella                                            Negative / 10 grams

Arsenic Inorganic                                   Not more than 2 ppm

Cadmium                                              Not more than 2 ppm

Lead                                                     Not more than 2 ppm

Mercury                                                Not more than 1 ppm

Microcystin Toxin                                  None Detected

Organophosphorus Pesticides                USP Guidelines

Organochloride Pesticides                     USP Guidelines

Pyrethroid Pesticides                            USP Guidelines

Regulatory Status & Safety

Stability Considerations                          Stable

Incompatibility with                                 None

Hazardous Decomposition Products        None known

Special Fire Fighting Procedures             None

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards       None

Hazardous Polymerization:                     Will not occur

Spill / Leakage Procedures                     If material is released or spilled:
                                                                        sweep up with broom and discard.                                                                        
                                                                        Water disposal method:
                                                                        Dispose of in accordance with
                                                                        local, state and federal regulations
                                                                        with regards to fruit, seed and 
                                                                        vegetable handling.

            Worker Skin Protection                          Normal work wear

Worker Eye Protection                           Goggles are recommended in all
                                                                        manufacturing environments.

Primary Route of Exposure                     Ingestion

Effects of Over Exposure                        None

Emergency First Aid Procedures             Flush eyes with large quantities of
                                                                        water, rinse, rinse other areas with 
                                                                        soap and water.
                                                                        Drink large amounts of water.

Drying Method, Packaging, Storage, Shelf Life

Drying Method                                       DLT Hydro—Dri^TM

Packaging                                            Food grade Mylar bag
                                                                        vacuum packaged

Storage Conditions                                Store in cool dry place, away from 
                                                                        extreme conditions of heat, cold 
                                                                        and moisture to prevent oxidation
                                                                        and preserve quality. Do not store
                                                                        this product above 100F. Store in 
                                                                        airtight containers away from most 
                                                                        sources of light and heat. 

Shelf Life                                               36 months from date of
                                                                        manufacture

Applications

Available Forms                                     Ground powder
                                                                        (10 kg minimum order)

Typical Dose                                         1 gram per day

CyaninPlus^TM In Vitro Testing

In vitro research demonstrated CyaninPlus^TM acted as an antioxidant by reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by quenching free radicals. In addition, treatment of inflammatory cells with CyaninPlus^TM  inhibited the migration of cells toward the inflammatory chemotactic compound Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), thus demonstrating the ability of CyaninPlus^TM to attenuate/modulate anti-inflammatory properties across three pathways.

Based on the results of in vitro testing, a clinical pilot study was performed to examine effects of daily consumption of CyaninPlus^TM on chronic pain. An open-label study design was used, involving 13 participants consuming 1 gram CyaninPlus^TM daily for 2 weeks. All participants reported improvements from chronic pain shortly after study start; eight participants noted marked improvements as early as three days after consumption.

After one week, a statistically significant reduction in perceived pain and a reduction in use of pain medication were observed. Others reported improvements including reduced swelling of hands and feet, better range of motion of troubled areas, and improved ability to manage activities of daily living.

References

Carter SG, Redman KA, Benson KF, Ehmann A, Guthrie J, Norris L, Turner J, Jensen, GS. Analegisic and anti-inflammatory properties of a novel phycocyanin-rich microalgae extract, CyaninPlusTM. SSW09 poster session.

Gonzalez R, Rodriguez S, Romay C, Ancheta O, Gonzalez A, Armesto J, Remirez D, Merino N. (1999). Anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin extract in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Pharmacological Research, Jan;39(1):55-9.

Reddy C, Vadiraja B, Bhat V, Kiranmai K, Reddy N, Reddanna P, Madyastha K. (2000). Selective inhibition of Clclooxygenase-2 by C-Phycocyanin, a biliprotein from Spirulina platensis. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 277, 599-603.

Remirez D, Gonzáles A, Merino N, González R, Ancheta O, Romay C, Rodrigues S. (2000). Effect of phycocyanin in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice-phycocyanin as an antiarthritic compound. Drug Development Research, 48:70-75.

Rimbau V, Camins A, Romay C, Gonzáles R, Pallas M. (1999). Protective effects of C-phycocyanin against kainic acid-induced neuronal damage in rat hippocampus. Neuroscience Letters, 276:75-78.

Romay C, Armesto J, Remirez D, Gonzalez R, Ledon N, Garcia. (1998). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflammation Research, Jan;47(1):36-41.

Romay C, Ledón N, González R. (1998). Further studies on anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin in some animal models of inflammation. Inflammation Research, Aug;47(8):334-8.

Romay C, Ledón N, González R. (2000). Effects of phycocyanin extract on prostaglandin E2 levels in mouse ear inflammation test. Arzneimittel.-Forschung./Drug Research, 50(II), Nr12, 1106-1109.

Romay C, González R. (2000). Letter to the editor. Phycocyanin is an antioxidant protector of human erythrocytes against lysis by peroxyl radicals. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 52:367-368.

Rimbau V, Camins A, Pubill D, Sureda F, Romay C, González R, Jimenéz A, Escubedo E, Camarasa J, Pallás M. (2001). C-Phycocyanin protects cerebellar granule cells from low potassium/serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Naunyn-

Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 364:96-104.

Vadiraja B, Gaikwad N, Madyastha K. (1998). Hepatoprotective effect of C-phycocyanin: protection for carbon tetrachloride and R-(+)-pulegone-mediated hepatotoxicty in rats. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 249(2):428-31.

Vadiraja B, Bhat V, Madaystha K. (2000). C-Phycocyanin: A potent peroxyl radical scavenger in vivo and in vitro. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 275, 20-25.