TOLERANCE STUDY OF “SPIRULINE PLUS” AND EVOLUTION OF BIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV-1 FOR TWELVE MONTHS

Spirulina is an algae used in our country for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and it is known especially for its therapeutic immunostimulatory effects. Spirulina capsules produced locally enriched in zinc and selenium called “spiruline plus” were formulated and given to PLHIV. The objectives of this randomized placebo controlled trial were to assess   the tolerance by reporting side effects and to evaluate the clinical and biological outcome of patients after 12 months follow-up. A randomized clinical trial comparing four groups of patients infected with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and treated with different diets was conducted over 23 months. These groups were: a first group of patients treated only with placebo, a second group treated with “spiruline plus”, a third group treated with antiretroviral (ART) and placebo, the fourth group treated with ARTs and “Spiruline plus”. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after inclusion. Some of the side effects reported in the group receiving antiretroviral therapy and “spiruline plus” decreased with time, and were classified as of low intensity. Biological parameters of the two groups (“spiruline plus” and placebo) with the exception of total protein and total cholesterol did not change significantly (p > 0.05) over time. “Spiruline plus” used in association with ARTs, did neither cause side effects nor affect biological parameters in twelve months of follow-up.