Red marine algae has been a valued food in Asia for thousands of years due to its highly nutritious qualities. Often referred to as a sea vegetable, research has shown that the sulfated polysaccharides in red marine algae may provide nutritional support for immune health.
Dumontiaceae (Cryttosiphonia woodii) is a very rare red marine algae containing natural anti-viral and Immunomodulatory agents. Recent research and gathering of anecdotal evidence on the health benefits and anti-herpetic action of the red marine alga, Dumontiaceae, has yielded much promise.
Years of study show that Dumontiaceae suppresses herpes viruses (cold sores), especially in initial stages of an attack. Researchers know that Dumontiaceae promotes a strong cell-mediated immune response to the virus. If anti-viral substances in Dumontiaceae can get to them while they are napping, and either inhibit their ability to make more of themselves or kill them outright, then Dumontiaceae may prove to be a profound food for the control of herpes virus (cold sores).
Herpes viruses commonly cause open wounds on skin, particularly on the face, but they also cause of shingles, a painful condition often appearing on the back. Virus sufferers are seemingly at the mercy of this viral menace. Despite failure at the eradication of the herpes virus, success in the short term by temporarily suppressing its proliferation has yielded positive results.
The active agents of red marine algae are carrageenans, a family of sulfated polysaccharides that in 2006 were found to be very effective against this virus. If sulfated polysaccharides from Dumontiaceae interfere with viral reverse transcriptase messengers, it is possible that even viruses responsible for the initial invasion may be held in check and later destroyed.
In conclusion, we know that sulfated polysaccharides in Dumontiaceae work against a critical step in viral replication both outside and inside infected cells. More recent research on extracts of red marine algae suggest that specific carbohydrates (sulfated polysaccharides) may inhibit DNA and RNA of viral infections and may operate these infected cells. I would recommend red marine algae to everybody that is experiencing cold sores on a regular basis.
