Bioactive Polysaccharides in Greespi: Properties and Health Benefits

The microalgae Arthrospira, a core component of Greespi, is among the oldest life forms on Earth—dating back approximately 3.5 billion years. Over that time, it has developed sophisticated survival mechanisms, one of which is its polysaccharide complex. These polysaccharides serve not only a structural function but also play a vital immunobiological role.

🔬 What Are Polysaccharides?

Polysaccharides are high-molecular-weight carbohydrates with unique three-dimensional structures and notable immunomodulatory properties. Unlike traditional plant-based polysaccharides, they differ significantly in both chemical composition and biological activity.

🔸 Key Chemical Features

Monosaccharide Profile: Includes rhamnose (up to 40%), xylose, glucose, galactose, and mannose—each involved in specific biological interactions.
Sulfated Fragments (-SO₄): Provide a negative charge, enhancing interaction with innate immune receptors such as TLR4 and Dectin-1.
β-glucan Chains: Mimic bacterial patterns, activating macrophages without triggering excessive inflammatory responses.

Biological Specificity of Greespi’s Polysaccharides

These compounds possess properties that clearly set them apart from ordinary dietary fiber. Here’s how they work in the body:

Reach the Small Intestine Intact
Greespi polysaccharides are resistant to breakdown in the stomach and reach the small intestine in their original form. This matters because most dietary carbohydrates begin to break down in the stomach, losing their bioactive potential. These polysaccharides maintain their full activity and functionality.
Interaction with GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue)
GALT is a specialized part of the immune system embedded in the gut wall, playing a key role in defending the body from pathogens. Greespi polysaccharides help activate this system, strengthening immune defenses where most immune cells are located.
Transport Through M Cells in Peyer’s Patches
These polysaccharides can pass through M cells—specialized cells in Peyer’s patches that transport molecules from the gut into the bloodstream. This rare trait enables them to affect the immune system not only locally in the gut but also systemically.

⚙️ How They Support the Immune System

1. Activation of Innate Immunity

Macrophages: Polysaccharides stimulate macrophages, enhancing their ability to engulf pathogens and produce inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α and IL-1β.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells: These play a critical role in fighting viruses and cancer cells. Greespi polysaccharides boost NK cell activity, improving their ability to destroy infected or abnormal cells.

2. Regulation of Adaptive Immunity

Treg Cells: These cells help regulate excessive immune responses and reduce the risk of autoimmune disease. Polysaccharides in Greespi promote Treg cell development.
IgA Production: IgA is the primary immunoglobulin found in mucosal surfaces like the gut lining. Polysaccharides support increased IgA levels, helping to strengthen the intestinal barrier and protect against pathogens.

3. Antiviral Effects

Blocking Viral Receptors: Polysaccharides can bind to cell surface receptors, preventing viruses—like HSV-1 (herpes) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)—from entering cells.
Interferon-γ Production: These molecules are crucial in antiviral defense. Polysaccharides increase interferon-γ production, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

🧪 Clinically Relevant Benefits

1. Antitumor Activit

Polysaccharides have shown potential to suppress the growth of certain cancer cells, such as leukemia, by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).

They may also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, making treatment more tolerable.

2. Neuroprotection

These compounds reduce oxidative stress in brain cells (neurons), which may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
By influencing serotonin receptors, they may also help prevent depression and support mood balance.

3. Impact on the Gut Microbiome

Greespi polysaccharides act as prebiotics, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
They also support recovery of a balanced and healthy microbiome following antibiotic treatments.

Current Research on Medical Applications

1. Post-COVID Syndrome & Immune Restoration

Study NCT04813718 (USA): Investigates how polysaccharides may help restore immune function after COVID-19.
Mechanism: Modulating cytokine profiles and stimulating regulatory T-cells (Treg) to reduce chronic inflammation.

2. Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Target: Balancing pro-inflammatory (Th17) and anti-inflammatory (Treg) immune cells.

Role: Certain polysaccharides, such as β-glucans, may shift this balance toward Treg activity, reducing autoimmune aggression.

3. Antiviral Therapies

Sulfated polysaccharides (from Arthrospira):
Prevent viral entry (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, herpes) by binding to spike proteins on the virus surface.

Conclusion

Polysaccharides are evolutionarily refined molecules that function as natural immune modulators—without causing overstimulation. Their potential has already been demonstrated in:

✔️ Regulating both innate and adaptive immunity
✔️ Providing antioxidant and anti-angiogenic support for cancer and brain health
✔️ Contributing to next-generation antiviral strategies

These are more than just nutrients — they represent a powerful bioactive platform shaped by nature over billions of years.

References:

Khan, S., et al. (2021). Bioactive polysaccharides from microalgae: Structural characterization and therapeutic potential. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 118(Pt A), 342-359.
Zhao C, Yang C, Liu B, et al. Bioactive marine polysaccharides: potential COVID-19 therapeutics with immunomodulatory properties. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:902938. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.902938
Lecointe, K., et al. "Polysaccharides from microalgae and cyanobacteria: Production, extraction methods, and applications." Algal Research 70 (2023): 102992. Web.
Gustafson, Kirk R., John H. Cardellina III, Richard W. Fuller, Owen S. Weislow, Richard F. Kiser, Kenneth M. Snader, Gregory M. L. Patterson, and Michael R. Boyd. "AIDS-Antiviral Sulfolipids from Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)." Journal of the National Cancer Institute 81, no. 16 (1989): 1254–1258.
Deng, Ruiting, and Tsai-Ju Chow. "Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant, and Antiinflammatory Activities of Microalgae Spirulina." Cardiovascular Therapeutics, vol. 28, no. 4, 2010, pp. e33-e45.

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