Healthy lactobacillus in the intestines provides humans with three major benefits: better digestion and absorption, protection from infection, and stimulation of the immune system. Research in Japan showed spirulina increased lactobacillus in rats 3 times over a control group. A diet with 5% spirulina for 100 days showed 1) caecum weight increased 13%, 2) lactobacillus increased 327%, and 3) Vitamin B1 inside the caecum increased 43%.Since spirulina did not supply this additional B1, it improved B1 absorption.The study suggests spirulina should increase lactobacillus in
humans and increase absorption of B1 and other dietary vitamins. This has implications for AIDS. Some researchers believe the
inability to absorb nutrients in the intestines can cause serious immune deficiency. The absence of lactobacillus leads to thriving
infections. Nutrient malabsorption with ‘opportunistic infections’ can initiate full-blown AIDS. One strategy for halting the progression of
AIDS is based on supplementation (to correct malabsorption) and lactobacillus (to maintain proper intestinal flora and prevent infection)

Wound healing and antibiotic effects

People have used spirulina in face creams and body wraps, and there are reports of people taking it in baths to promote skin health.
The Kanembu in Chad use freshly harvested algae as a skin poultice for treating certain diseases. Pharmaceutical compounds in France
containing spirulina accelerated wound healing. Patients used whole spirulina, raw juice and extracts in creams, ointments, solutions and
suspensions.A study in Japan showed cosmetic packs containing spirulina and its enzymatic hydrolyzates promoted skin metabolism
and reduced scars. Additional research showed extracts of spirulina inhibited the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. The antibiotic
substances in these extracts may have medical applications.

Effects against diabetes and hypertension

Spirulina may have a positive effect against diabetes. A water soluble fraction was found effective in lowering serum glucose level
at fasting while the water-insoluble fraction suppressed glucose level at glucose loading. It may also reduce blood pressure. In a recent
study with rats, it was found to reduce high blood pressure