Endotoxin & Liver | Bioactives Research II
Organic Spirulina
Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a cyanobacterium alga with a high protein content, vitamins, especially provitamin A (β-carotenes), and minerals, especially iron. It is also rich in phenolic acids, tocopherols and γ-linolenic acid (1). Phycocyanins in spirulina have been reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties; indeed, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects have been experimentally attributed to phycocyanins.
Phycocyanins have been evaluated in many experimental models of inflammation and demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent fashion. Amongst these, phycocyanins reduced oedema, histamine release, myeloperoxidase activity and levels of prostaglandin (PGE(2)) and leukotriene (LTB(4)) in inflamed tissues. These anti-inflammatory effects have been attributed to scavenging properties toward oxygen reactive species (ROS) and its inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) activity and histamine release from mast cells (2).
Spirulina has also been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, specifically by reducing Gram-negative (LPS-producing) bacteria (3, 4). In LPS-induced models of inflammation, both phycocyanins and spirulina have been shown to attenuate the inflammatory response. Phycocyanin reduced the serum levels of TNF-a after LPS administration (2), while spirulina reduced markers of inflammation and partially normalised IL-1B and the Nrf2 system after LPS exposure (5, 6). Spirulina is also able to reduce the pro-inflammatory effects of fatty liver disease (7).
Organic Chlorella
Chlorella vulgaris, another microalga, has been shown to have similar anti-inflammatory properties to spirulina (8).
Chlorella has been shown to have an LPS-blocking effect at the TLR4, by competitively binding to the receptors, therefore helping to reduce the resultant inflammatory cascade (9). Spirulina is also thought to have a similar mechanism of action on LPS via TLR4 competitive binding.
Chlorella has been shown to have an LPS-blocking effect at the TLR4, by competitively binding to the receptors, therefore helping to reduce the resultant inflammatory cascade (9). Spirulina is also thought to have a similar mechanism of action on LPS via TLR4 competitive binding.
Milk Thistle, Dandelion & Artichoke
These hepatoprotective, choleretic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory herbs have been added to promote bile flow for LPS clearance, as well as being protective of LPS-induced inflammation.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is well-known for its hepatoprotective properties, especially conferred by the phytochemical silymarin and its metabolites (10). Silymarin possesses hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic properties (11). Oral administration has been shown to attenuate nitric oxide production by macrophages, as well as iNOS mRNA in LPS-treated mice, suggesting silymarin inhibits this inflammatory cascade by inhibiting NF-Kb activation, thus attenuating damage caused by LPS (11).
Artichoke
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a common herbal medicine in Europe, traditionally used as a remedy to treat hepato-biliary disease and dyspepsia. It has been shown to possess antioxidant, choleretic, hepatoprotective, bile-enhancing and lipid-lowering effects, which corresponds with its historical use (12). It has been shown to increase SOD, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels in the liver, and decrease malondialdehyde levels in LPS-induced liver diseases (13).
Dandelion Root
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a well-known herb traditionally used for its choleretic, diuretic, antirheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown it to possess antioxidant, anti-diabetic and immune-modulating activities in response to LPS-induced conditions (14, 15).
Before You Go…
Here are a few handpicked articles to inspire your next self-care moment.
12 May 2026
26 Nov 2025
07 Nov 2025
29 Oct 2025
07 Oct 2025
