13°c Partly cloudy
10°c Rain
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
U of M testing B.C. algae as psoriasis remedy
Dr. Peter Jones (centre) with Darren Speziale and Heather Martin, clinical co-ordinators, who hold some of the food algae-study participants will eat. (MIKE.DEAL@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)
Patients suffering psoriasis could get relief from an unexpected source: a type of algae farm-grown in British Columbia.
B.C. company Canadian Pacific Algae are involved in clinical trials through the University of Manitoba to see if two different blends of golden-brown algae can help ease the red, scaly patches caused by the skin ailment psoriasis.
Algae are already touted as having anti-inflammatory properties and is used in countries like India and China, but this will be the first test of those sorts of claims, said Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals director Peter Jones.
Jones said it's an unusual project, because the centre normally works on smaller alterations of more tried-and-true products.
"For the first time, we're looking at the critical actions of algae on psoriasis in a very carefully structured and controlled study environment."
The algae are being tested in powder and extract form, Jones said. Study participants will eat each item mixed with food for four-week rotations, as well as a third four-week cycle with the same food, but no algae added. Between test periods, they'll have four-week "washouts" where they eat normally, Jones said.
Results from the washout period will be compared to results from the periods when participants are eating algae.
Participants get some financial compensation and free meals, so long as they don't mind a three-day rotation of chicken and rice, spaghetti and meatballs and beef casserole.
"It's actually pretty yummy," Jones said.
The study is recruiting 30 people with psoriasis or related skin disorders. Anyone interested in taking part in the study can visit www.rcffn.ca.
Jones expects it will be eight or nine months before the research is complete and results are in.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 17, 2009 B2
More Local
- Back to Top
- Return to Local
Poll
Proudly brought to you by:
Most Popular Local
- Thieves strip $20K worth of copper wiring from gravel pit
- WWE's Jericho breaks code in Brazil
- Cyclist killed on Higgins Avenue was passionate mentor, volunteer
- Ex-Bomber sued for $4.8M
- Ex-Hydro boss slams closure
- Pukatawagan RCMP looking for two dangerous suspects
- Blue boxes to garden boxes?
- Gang members get lengthy sentences for jailhouse beating
- Teachers split on issue of human sexuality
- Enjoy 'good' weather while it lasts
- Bear pulls camper from outhouse, before being shot
- Cyclist killed in collision on Higgins identified
- Cyclist killed on Higgins Avenue was passionate mentor, volunteer
- A SHED is not enough
- Football star's fatal punch probed at manslaughter trail
- Cyclist killed in Higgins Avenue crash
- Sex-scandal inquiry to be heard in city
- Winnipeg man recovering after campground bear attack
- Man hit before fatal blow, friend testifies
- Female cyclist dies on Higgins after falling into semi's path
- Boozy night out, lying cost city man big bucks
- Neighbours shaken by two deaths
- Rapid buses rattling homes
- Severe storm warning issued
- Has Gimli gone to pot?
- Bear pulls camper from outhouse, before being shot
- Cyclist killed in collision on Higgins identified
- Triple whammy hits homes
- Cyclist killed on Higgins Avenue was passionate mentor, volunteer
- Teen hit by vehicle on Pembina
- Cyclist killed on Higgins Avenue was passionate mentor, volunteer
- Ex-Hydro boss slams closure
- Ex-Bomber sued for $4.8M
- At 100, she's still winning friends and winning at bridge
- His life made our world a better place
- Band, council defy feds on aid
- Hydro headquarters named Canada's greenest office tower
- Teachers split on issue of human sexuality
- Diplomat saved thousands from Hitler
- Cummings steps out of reunion for sick mom
- Bear pulls camper from outhouse, before being shot
- Pooch paradise, where champion beagles run free
- His life made our world a better place
- Winnipeg man recovering after campground bear attack
- He was enjoying view, bear came out of blue
- Scientists lash Harper government for pulling plug on Experimental Lakes Area
- Diplomat saved thousands from Hitler
- Weeding out the chemicals
- U of W rejects copyright deal as 'money grab'
- Chemicals not par for the course
- Bear pulls camper from outhouse, before being shot
- Has Gimli gone to pot?
- Pooch paradise, where champion beagles run free
- His life made our world a better place
- Scientists lash Harper government for pulling plug on Experimental Lakes Area
- RRC's old gem a beauty
- Attack on hockey ref nets jail time
- Our Village is as good as it gets
- Judge faces second complaint
- Winnipeg man recovering after campground bear attack
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.