The prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing globally due to various causes. It affects the quality life of a large group
of people in all around the world. Allergic rhinitis still remains inadequately controlled with present medical means. The
need of continuous medical therapy makes individuals anxious about the side effects of the drugs. So there is a need for an
alternative strategy. Effects of spirulina, tinospora cordifolia and butterbur were investigated recently on allergic rhinitis
in just very few investigations. Spirulina represents a blue-green alga that is produced and commercialized as a dietary supplement
for modulating immune functions, as well as ameliorating a variety of diseases. This double blind, placebo controlled study,
evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of spirulina for treating patients with allergic rhinitis. Spirulina consumption
significantly improved the symptoms and physical findings compared with placebo (
P < 0.001***) including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Spirulina is clinically effective on allergic
rhinitis when compared with placebo. Further studies should be performed in order to clarify the mechanism of this effect.
Keywords Allergic rhinitis - Spirulina - Blue-green alga - Nasal discharge - Nasal congestion