Golden Algae Oil
Golden algae also known as chrysophytes are found in fresh water. There are several different types of Golden Algae, most members are one cell flagellates with two visible flagella. Flagella are organelles that have a whip-like shape. There are several distinguishing characteristics that put them in separate groups. Golden algae have been known to produce toxins that can kill clams and mussels, as well as fish. Studies are underway to examine these toxins, but they don’t seem to harm livestock, other wildlife or humans. Golden algae is found around the world in estuaries, which are a mixture of fresh water and saltwater, so some can have a high salt content. Texas was one of the first states to recognize a fish dying problem in the Colorado, Canadian, Brazos and Red River basins. Ten other states have reported that golden algae have been responsible for fish deaths.
A Harmful algae bloom or HAB, is a golden algae bloom that produces toxins and can even discolor the water, Blooms are caused by several things. An increase in nutrients found in the water instigates the reproduction and growth of the golden algae into a bloom or the environment may change, so one species of algae gets more food than the other which results in blooms. These changes correspond to water temperature, sunlight, the quality of the water, as well as other factors yet to be determined.
With all of that being said, golden algae oil is playing an important role in cancer research. The University of Nevada in Reno is studying DHA from golden algae and has been using this species to inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells, using mice. The researchers concluded that the DHA which contains Omega-3 fatty acids suppresses the tumors ability to grow. Other studies indicate that DHA from golden algae can lower the risk of heart attacks, can increase brain development in infants and can stop liver cancer cells from growing. There are a number of supplements on the market that contain DHA from golden algae and they claim that DHA should be taken daily to improve the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
Golden algae oil and golden algae blooms seem to be the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the algae world. One is helping to cure disease in humans and the other is causing death in fish. That opens the door for more research and more study on golden algae oil, as well as blooms. This amazing life form still holds many secrets within its metabolism. The twenty-first century is the century for transformations and no doubt algae will play an important role in this age of discovery. After all, algae is older and wiser than humans by a few billion years.
