1. Alga Extracts as Novel Antiviral Agents By Stephanie Boone

2. Background Antimicrobial activity of alga was first reported in 1940 (antibacterial activity of Chorella vulgaris). Antimicrobial activity of alga was first reported in 1940 (antibacterial activity of Chorella vulgaris). The antimicrobial properties of seaweed reported in 1951. The antimicrobial properties of seaweed reported in 1951. Antiviral effects of polysaccarides from marine alga reported to inhibit mumps, and influenza B virus. Antiviral effects of polysaccarides from marine alga reported to inhibit mumps, and influenza B virus. 1969 extracts from red algae inhibited HSV and other viruses. 1969 extracts from red algae inhibited HSV and other viruses. These observations generated little interest due to nonspecificity. These observations generated little interest due to nonspecificity.

3. Antiviral Activity Caulerpa taxifolia Inhibited FIV in vitro Blue-green algae (allophycocyanin) Neutralized enterovirus 71 cytopathic effect in vitro Blue-green algae (Cyanovirin-N) Inactivates HIV Spirulina platensis Inhibits HIV activity Spirulina platensis (calcium spirulan) Inhibits HSV-1, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), measles virus, mumps virus, influenza virus and HIV-1 Alga Sulfated polysaccharides HIV, herpes simplex 1&2, influenza A, RSV, SIV, pseudorabies, bovine herpes and HCMV

4. Antiviral Mechanisms Sulfated polysaccharides Interfere with attachment of virus to target cell cyanovirin Interferes with membrane fusion and host cell entry Sulfoglycolipids Inhibit reverse transcriptase carrageenans Increase T and B cell mitogens Spirulina Increase phagocytic activity, antibody production, NK cell accumulation

5. My Antiviral Study METHOD METHOD Grew a lawn of bacteria on TSA plate. Grew a lawn of bacteria on TSA plate. Used bacteria phage assay. PRD-1 was placed in top agar. Used bacteria phage assay. PRD-1 was placed in top agar. Applied Spirulina from health food store to plates in diluted form. Applied Spirulina from health food store to plates in diluted form. Watched growth over 24 hour period. Watched growth over 24 hour period. Counted plaques. Counted plaques.

6. Study Results No difference between treated plates and plates not treated. No difference between treated plates and plates not treated. Assay failed. Assay failed.

7. Study Conclusions Conclusions: Conclusions: Never work with algae in a bottle from the health food store. Never work with algae in a bottle from the health food store.

8. References Available upon request. Available upon request.