Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA Blue-Green Algae)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA Blue-Green Algae) (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 620 participants, researched for Stem Cell Mobilisation & Immune Function, Mood & Cognitive Function, Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Stem Cell Mobilisation & Immune Function
ModerateMood & Cognitive Function
ModerateAnti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects
ModerateSafety & Composition
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Stem Cell Mobilisation & Immune Function
To evaluate the effect of AFA extract on CD34+ stem cell mobilisation from bone marrow.
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of AFA extract on CD34+ stem cell mobilisation from bone marrow.
Dose
1 g AFA extract daily
Participants
12 healthy adults
Duration
Single-dose and 2-week crossover
Results
Significant 25% increase in circulating CD34+ stem cells observed within hours of AFA ingestion; effect sustained with 2-week supplementation.
How They Measured It
Flow cytometry quantification of circulating CD34+ progenitor cells
To assess AFA supplementation's effect on natural killer cell activity and immune function.
Study Type
Open-label pilot study
Purpose
To assess AFA supplementation's effect on natural killer cell activity and immune function.
Dose
1.5 g AFA extract per day
Participants
20 healthy volunteers
Duration
4 weeks
Results
NK cell cytotoxicity increased by approximately 40% after 4 weeks of supplementation. Lymphocyte proliferation also improved significantly.
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity assay, lymphocyte proliferation
To identify the active polysaccharide fraction responsible for AFA's stem cell mobilisation effect.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To identify the active polysaccharide fraction responsible for AFA's stem cell mobilisation effect.
Dose
Various AFA fractions tested
Participants
Human bone marrow cultures
Duration
72-hour incubation
Results
A specific L-selectin ligand polysaccharide from AFA was identified as the primary active fraction promoting stem cell migration and colony formation.
How They Measured It
Hematopoietic colony-forming unit assay, ELISA for growth factors
Mood & Cognitive Function
To assess the effect of AFA supplementation on mood, energy, and psychological well-being.
Study Type
Randomised placebo-controlled pilot
Purpose
To assess the effect of AFA supplementation on mood, energy, and psychological well-being.
Dose
1 g AFA daily
Participants
30 healthy adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvements in total mood disturbance and energy scores compared to placebo; fatigue subscale reduced by 30%.
How They Measured It
Profile of Mood States (POMS), self-reported energy scales
To survey users of AFA supplementation for self-reported health benefits including mood and cognition.
Study Type
Observational study
Purpose
To survey users of AFA supplementation for self-reported health benefits including mood and cognition.
Dose
0.5-2 g daily (self-selected)
Participants
150 AFA users
Duration
Cross-sectional survey
Results
84% reported improved energy levels; 70% noted enhanced mood and mental clarity; 60% reported improved immune resilience.
How They Measured It
Structured questionnaire on symptoms before and after supplementation
Anti-inflammatory & Metabolic Effects
To investigate AFA's anti-inflammatory potential in a rodent model of inflammation.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate AFA's anti-inflammatory potential in a rodent model of inflammation.
Dose
100-400 mg/kg AFA extract
Participants
Rodent inflammation model
Duration
4 weeks
Results
AFA extract significantly reduced TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels and downregulated NF-kB activation in inflamed tissue.
How They Measured It
Serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and NF-kB activity
To evaluate AFA extract on cholesterol and glycaemic markers in metabolic syndrome patients.
Study Type
Pilot RCT
Purpose
To evaluate AFA extract on cholesterol and glycaemic markers in metabolic syndrome patients.
Dose
2 g AFA extract per day
Participants
45 adults with metabolic syndrome
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Modest but significant reductions in total cholesterol (-8%) and fasting glucose (-6%) compared to placebo.
How They Measured It
Fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel
Safety & Composition
To evaluate the safety profile and microcystin content of commercial AFA supplements.
Study Type
Safety and tolerability study
Purpose
To evaluate the safety profile and microcystin content of commercial AFA supplements.
Dose
Up to 3 g per day
Participants
60 healthy volunteers
Duration
8 weeks
Results
AFA supplementation was well tolerated at doses up to 3 g/day. Microcystin levels in tested products were below WHO safety threshold.
How They Measured It
Adverse event reporting, microcystin ELISA, liver function tests
To review nutritional composition, health benefits, and safety concerns of AFA blue-green algae.
Study Type
Narrative review
Purpose
To review nutritional composition, health benefits, and safety concerns of AFA blue-green algae.
Dose
Varied
Participants
Multiple studies
Duration
Review
Results
AFA provides rich phytonutrients including phycocyanin, PEA, and polysaccharides with demonstrated immune, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory benefits, though cyanotoxin contamination requires quality control.
How They Measured It
Literature synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA Blue-Green Algae) research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA Blue-Green Algae) (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae), involving 620 total participants. Research covers Immune modulation, Stem cell mobilisation, Mood & cognition and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA Blue-Green Algae) has been researched for: Immune modulation, Stem cell mobilisation, Mood & cognition, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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