Gigartina (Red Marine Algae) Supplement Uses, Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects

Gigartina is a botanical genus made up of more than 400 species of Red Marine Algae (RMA, Rhodymenia palmata).

RMA is a rich source of gelatinous polysaccharides collectively called carrageenan. Although technically inaccurate, the terms “gigartina”, “red marine algae”, and “carrageenan” are often used interchangeably. [1]

Gigartina has been used in many cultures for thousands of years as food and medicine. It is purported to be nutrient-rich and to have benefits for immune health and protection from viruses.

Scientific research into the biological effects of this supplement is limited. However, RMA is an excellent source of sulphated polysaccharides which are involved in the body’s immune response.

It is estimated that many sea vegetables, including red marine algae, have about 20 times the mineral content of terrestrial plants. They also contain high levels of various other phytonutrients that are important for maintaining good health.

In general, people use red marine algae to support well-being and immune defenses. Based on anecdotal user reviews, it is commonly taken during periods of high stress or when feeling fatigued. [1]

Gigartina

Red Marine Algae

Antioxidant

Skin Health

Immune

How It Works:

• Traditionally used as a food and as medicine
• May promote skin health & immunity
• Shown to exhibit antimicrobial effects

Dosage:

Between 375 - 2500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

Top Gigartina Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

What Is Gigartina?

Gigartina skottsbergii is the primary RMA species used to manufacture dietary supplements.

Other good sources of carrageenan include G. mamillosa, G. chamissoi, various species in the Euchemua genus of green/brown seaweed, and Chondrus crispus (Irish moss).

Do not confuse Chondrus crispus with the Irish moss commonly used for ground cover called Saginasubulata. [2]

Some other names for gigartina include Algas, Algae Rouge Marine, Carragenato, Carragenina, Carragheenan, Chondrus Extract, Galgarine, Irish Moss Algae, Irish Moss Extract, and Mousse d’Irlande.

Carrageenan polysaccharides in red marine algae are easily extracted by boiling the plants in water. They can then be added to other foods as a nourishing agent.

The first recorded use of red algae was in China circa 800 BC. The Irish started using these plants as food circa 400 AD. [1]

Red marine algae species are widely distributed. Today, it is cultivated in Chile, Philippines, Indonesia, Canada, United States, Vietnam, Tasmania, and the Pacific Islands.

There is not a lot of evidence to draw reliable conclusions about how RMA works inside the body or any health benefits it might offer. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this plant extract for improving health and well-being.

Uses for Gigartina

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that people use red marine algae supplements orally for: [2]

• Bronchitis (inflammation of mucous membranes in the bronchial tubes);
• An infectious bacterial disease called tuberculosis;
• Soothing mucous membranes caused by a cough;
• Various intestinal problems;

Some carrageenan products are used topically for anorectal symptoms like pruritus ani, rectal bleeding, anal pain, and difficulty with defecation. [1]

Carrageenan extracts are also used to bind, emulsify, and thicken foods. They are also used as stabilizing agents in the manufacturing of some pharmaceuticals and toothpaste products.

RMA extracts are also included in some weight loss products although there is no clinical evidence to evaluate their use for this purpose. It may support healthy weight management and appetite control as a source of dietary fiber.

User testimonials suggest that this plant extract is also used for the Herpes Simplex virus, cold sores, skin conditions, Epstein Barr syndrome, detoxification, headaches, shingles, muscle pain and joint function.

While this supplement is anecdotally associated with a number of health benefits, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to determine therapeutic efficacy for these and other uses.

How Gigartina Works

Research from the 1970s and 1980s showed that carrageenan found in gigartina supplements is able to enhance immune system function. It was shown to have antiviral effects against various pathogenic microbes in cell studies.

Clinical research suggest RMA may be helpful in reducing and controlling a yeast-like fungus called Candida, and the Herpes simplex virus. [2]

According to Dr. Thomas S. Lee, sulfated polysaccharides found in Red Marine Algae may help to, “suppress HIV, herpes, and influenza viruses, and patients have reported a lessening or even a halting of their growth within the body.” [1]

Dr. Lee states that these immune-boosting polysaccharides may promote resistance to bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. [1]

Numerous user reviews on Amazon describe taking gigartina red marine algae to prevent genital herpes and cold sore outbreaks.

One reviewer stated that she has battled this virus for 10 years and nothing has worked as well as RMA. Other users on Amazon state that RMA helps them to improve skin health, heal cold sores, improve overall immunity, eat less often, and lose weight. [3]

However, anecdotal evidence like that from Amazon reviews cannot be used to reliably demonstrate medicinal effectiveness.

Large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical research is required to determine whether gigartina algae is effective for these purported uses.

Carrageenan Polysaccharides

There are various types of carrageenan polysaccharides that have been studied for their immunity-enhancing properties. The three main types that RMA supplements contain are:

• Kappa Carrageenan that forms a rigid gel in the presence of potassium ions;
• Iota Carrageenan that forms a soft gel in the presence of calcium ions;
• Lambda Carrageenan that does not form a gel;

Researchers from Ningbo University report that, “The primary differences that influence the properties of kappa, iota, and lambda carrageenans are the number and position of the ester sulfate groups on the repeating galactose units.” [4]

Gigartina species produce different types of carrageenan compounds at different stages in the plant development. This alga primarily produces kappa carrageenan during the gametophytic stage. During the sporophytic stage, it mainly produces the lambda variety.

In in-vitro cell studies, lambda carrageenan displayed anticancer effects. It was able to inhibit the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) in cancer cells. It also demonstrated “effects of inhibiting endothelial cell invasion, migration, and proliferation.” [5]

In other in-vitro studies, carrageenan has displayed antioxidant and cytotoxic [6], HPV-inhibiting [7], and HSV-inhibiting effects [8].

In animal studies, a specific carrageenan formulation suppressed cell trafficking in immune system cells called macrophages. These cells are believed to prevent the vaginal transmission of the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). [9]

In other animal research, these polysaccharides have been found to:

• Protect against herpes simplex virus-2-induced lesions and mortality;
• Block (HSV2) virus shedding in vaginal secretions;
• Protect against HSV2 infection; [10, 11]

This polysaccharide may support healthy blood sugar regulation. In a small human study with 20 nondiabetic volunteers, consumption of rice with carrageenan reduced after-meal blood sugar spikes. [12]

Research also shows benefits for maintaining healthy blood lipid levels. In one 8-week clinical study, consumption of foods enriched with carrageenan reduced levels of fatty acids like triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. [2]

In this randomized crossover study, consumption of foods rich in carrageenan was associated with:

• Decreased total cholesterol levels (LDL-C plus HDL-C);
• Increased HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol);
• Decreased triglyceride levels; [13]

Gigartina Health Benefits

Researchers from University of Maine and UCLA state that demand for algal food sources is increasing because of proposed health benefits beyond the nutrition they provide.

According to the researchers, “There is substantial evidence for the health benefits of algal-derived food products, but there remain considerable challenges in quantifying these benefits, as well as possible adverse effects.” [14]

The three key challenges they mention are:

1. Limited understanding of how algal constituents interact in human metabolism;
2. Quantifying which fractions of algal foods are bioavailable to humans;
3. Limited understanding of nutritional composition across species;

Various factors affect the nutritional composition and bioavailability of red marine algae supplements. Some of these include geographic source, harvesting season, preparation methods, storage techniques, and the “genetic differentiation in the gut microbiome.” [14]

According to NMCD, there is insufficient reliable evidence available to rate the effectiveness of gigartina red marine algae for any therapeutic purpose. More research is needed before any definitive claims of health benefits can be made. [2]

Dietary Supplements

According to NMCD, there are more than 500 dietary supplement products available that contain red marine algae as a single ingredient or in a complex with other ingredients.

It is typically sold in oral capsules with between 250mg to 600mg of active ingredient per serving. This product is also sold as a bulk powder, tea bags, and as a soothing topical balm or ointment intended to be applied to the lips and skin.

Gigartina is sometimes combined with other immune-boosting ingredients such as Dumontacea, Spirulina, and Blue Green Algae.

When shopping for RMA supplement, look for products that are certified to be free of contaminants like lead, mercury, pesticides, fuel, and radioactive isotopes.

Only buy supplements from manufacturers that produce their products in cGMP compliant facilities. Look for products that are third-party verified.

Not all Gigartina supplements are manufactured to the same qualify standards. Seek out suppliers with trusted reputations for quality products and superior customer service.

Vibrant Health’s RMA Ointment is composed of gigartina extract, emu oil, shea butter, vitamin E, lavender essential oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, calendula, arnica, chamomile, lemon balm, cajeput oil and aloe vera extract.

According to Vibrant Health this product, “Promotes the healing process in cases of cold sores, chicken pox, dermatitis, diaper rash, acne, surface scarring, bruises, insect bites, and more.”

Store your supplements according to package directions or in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark spot.

Recommended Dosages

Gigartina dietary supplements are typically taken in dosages of 250mg – 1000mg per day. Standardizations vary, but some products are labelled as containing 30% sulfated polysaccharides per serving size.

Gigartina is sometimes prepared as an herbal tea. The following traditional recipe is reported online:

• Macerate ½-gram RMA in cold or warm water for 10 minutes.
• Add the maceration into 3 pints of boiling milk or water.
• After boiling gently for 15 minutes, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth.
• Add flavor enhancers like nutmeg, lemon, and organic sugar as desired.
• Drink up to 3 cups daily for general health-enhancing purposes. [2]

15.5 grams of gigartina has been decocted in 1-4 ounces of water and drank in a single serving once daily. [2]

In safety studies, 5 mL of a carrageenan gel has been used intravaginally for up to 7 days to prevent HIV infection. [2]

This plant product has not been studied in and is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

Safety and Side Effects

The carrageenan constituent of Gigartina has GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status from the US FDA. It is generally well toleratd when used orally in appropriate amounts. [2]

A degraded form of Carrageenan called Poligeenan has been linked to colonic lesions in some animal studies. NMCD rates this form of carrageenan Possibly Unsafe due to its lower molecular weight and poor absorption.

Researchers from University of Nebraska Medical Center state that poligeenan, “exhibits toxicological properties at high doses that do not occur with the food additive carrageenan.” [15]

Although NMCD rates carrageenan as Likely Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it could cause unspecified adverse effects. Until more is known about how it works, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

No serious side effects are reported for this supplement when used appropriately. In clinical trials, all side effects experienced were classified as mild and temporary.

Drug and Supplement Interactions

If you are currently using prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements, it is recommended to check with a doctor to determine whether you can safely use gigartina extract. This supplement may interact with certain pharmaceuticals and supplements.

As a source of carrageenan, this supplement may theoretically increase the risk of bruising or bleeding in people who take blood-thinning medications.

Consult with a doctor before taking red marine algae supplements with antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs like Lovenox (enoxaparin), Ticlid (ticlopidine), Fragmin (dalteparin), Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), heparin, aspirin, and others. [2]

Carrageenan extracts could also increase the risk of bleeding and bruising when combined with herbs with antiplatelet/anticoagulant properties. Some of these include ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, ginger, danshen, clove, and angelica.

Gigartina supplements may cause blood pressure to drop too low if combined with drugs used to treat high blood pressure. It could increase the hypotensive effects of antihypertensive drugs.

Check with a doctor before taking this supplement with medications like Cardizem (diltiazem), Capoten (captopril), Norvasc (amlodipine), Lasix (furosemide), Vasotec (enalapril), Diovan (valsartan), Cozaar (losartan), and numerous others.

It might interact with herbs or supplements that cause blood pressure to decrease. Some of these include coenzyme Q-10, casein peptides, Andrographis, cat’s claw, lycium, fish oil, theanine, stinging nettle, and more.

RMA supplements are not known to interact with foods or lab tests. However, they may exacerbate symptoms of hypotension (low blood pressure) or bleeding disorders.

Stop using gigartina red marine algae supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery. These products might cause excessive bleeding or low blood pressure during the procedure.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, check with a doctor before taking this supplement. Your doctor can help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for you.

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5, rated)