# Nostoc Algae (Nostoc commune)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/nostoc-algae
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Protein
**Also Known As:** Nostoc commune, Star jelly, Witch's butter, Mare's eggs, Fat of the earth, Blue-green algae, Terrestrial nostoc, Gel algae, Ground cushion, Rock tripe

## Overview

Nostoc commune is a blue-green algae containing glycosylated mycosporine-like amino acids that provide [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with IC50 values of 55-185 mM. This cyanobacterium offers complete protein profiles and high mineral content including calcium, iron, and zinc at approximately 4‰ concentration.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) from glycosylated mycosporine-like amino acids (IC50 values 55-185 mM comparable to Trolox) - Evidence: In-vitro studies only
• High mineral content including calcium, iron, and zinc (~4‰) supporting nutritional status - Evidence: Compositional analysis only
• Complete amino acid profile with all essential amino acids present - Evidence: Biochemical characterization only
• High dietary fiber content supporting [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) - Evidence: Compositional data only
• UV-protective compounds (mycosporine-like amino acids absorbing at 312-340 nm) - Evidence: In-vitro characterization only

## Mechanism of Action

Nostoc commune's glycosylated mycosporine-like amino acids neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s through electron donation, achieving antioxidant potency comparable to Trolox. The complete amino acid profile supports protein synthesis pathways, while the high bioavailable mineral content facilitates enzymatic cofactor functions and cellular [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Nostoc commune is limited to in-vitro antioxidant studies and compositional analyses. Laboratory studies demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with IC50 values ranging from 55-185 mM, comparable to the reference antioxidant Trolox. Nutritional analysis confirms complete amino acid profiles and mineral content around 4‰ for calcium, iron, and zinc. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings or establish effective dosages.

## Nutritional Profile

Protein: 20-35% dry weight (complete amino acid profile with all essential amino acids; digestibility moderate, estimated 70-80% due to cell wall polysaccharides). Carbohydrates: 40-55% dry weight, dominated by extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) including sulfated heteropolysaccharides with [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) potential; dietary fiber fraction significant (~15-25% DW). Lipids: 2-6% dry weight, with polyunsaturated fatty acids including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and minor EPA fractions. Minerals (approximately 4‰ / ~40 mg/g DW total ash basis): Calcium (~8-12 mg/g DW), Iron (~1.5-3.5 mg/g DW, notably high but bioavailability reduced by phytate and polysaccharide binding), Zinc (~0.3-0.8 mg/g DW), Magnesium (~3-6 mg/g DW), Phosphorus (~5-9 mg/g DW). Vitamins: Vitamin C present in modest amounts (~10-30 mg/100g DW); B-vitamins including riboflavin (B2) and niacin detected; Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene and other carotenoids ~0.5-2 mg/g DW). Bioactive compounds: Glycosylated mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) functioning as UV-screening [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s (IC50 55-185 mM Trolox-equivalent in vitro); phycocyanin and other phycobiliproteins contributing to antioxidant capacity; scytonemin (UV-absorbing pigment). Bioavailability notes: Iron and zinc bioavailability likely limited by phytate complexes and the gelatinous EPS matrix; protein digestibility improved by cooking or processing; MAA bioavailability in humans not yet characterized in vivo; lipid fraction bioavailability considered comparable to other microalgae (~85%).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized forms have been established for Nostoc commune as human clinical trials are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Nostoc commune supplementation is limited due to lack of human studies. As with other cyanobacteria, potential contamination with microcystins or other toxins during wild harvesting poses safety concerns. No documented drug interactions exist, though the high mineral content may theoretically affect absorption of certain medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Nostoc commune according to the available research. Current evidence is limited to biochemical composition studies, nutritional value assessments, and in-vitro [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Nostoc commune has been recognized for its nutrient-rich properties comparable to mushrooms and valued as a food source for its diverse nutrients including essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. It has contributed ecologically to soil fertility and nutrient cycling, though no formalized traditional medicinal uses are documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Spirulina, Chlorella, Vitamin D3, Iron, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are mycosporine-like amino acids in nostoc algae

Mycosporine-like amino acids in Nostoc commune are glycosylated compounds that provide antioxidant protection. These molecules achieve IC50 values of 55-185 mM, making them as effective as the synthetic antioxidant Trolox at neutralizing free radicals.

### How much protein does nostoc algae contain

Nostoc commune provides complete protein with all essential amino acids, though specific protein percentages vary by harvest conditions. The amino acid profile is considered nutritionally complete, making it a viable plant-based protein source for supplementation.

### What minerals are found in nostoc commune supplements

Nostoc algae contains approximately 4‰ concentration of essential minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc. This mineral density makes it a concentrated source of bioavailable nutrients that support various physiological functions and enzymatic processes.

### Is nostoc algae safe for daily consumption

Safety data for regular Nostoc commune consumption is limited due to lack of human clinical trials. Potential contamination with cyanobacterial toxins during wild harvesting raises safety concerns, making quality sourcing essential for any supplementation.

### How does nostoc algae compare to other protein supplements

Nostoc commune offers unique advantages with its complete amino acid profile plus antioxidant mycosporine-like amino acids and high mineral content. Unlike isolated protein powders, it provides additional bioactive compounds, though protein concentration may be lower than concentrated whey or plant proteins.

### Does nostoc algae bioaccumulate heavy metals or toxins?

Nostoc commune is a freshwater cyanobacterium that can accumulate heavy metals depending on water source and cultivation conditions. Reputable suppliers conduct third-party testing for contaminants including lead, cadmium, and microcystin toxins to ensure safety. The risk is similar to other freshwater algae supplements, making sourcing and quality verification critical for consumer safety.

### Can nostoc algae supplements be used as a vegan alternative to animal collagen?

While nostoc algae contains all essential amino acids and minerals that support skin and connective tissue health, it does not contain collagen or hydroxyproline in significant amounts. Nostoc may support collagen synthesis through amino acid precursors and antioxidant activity, but direct collagen replacement would require collagen-specific supplements or plant-based collagen alternatives.

### How does the antioxidant potency of nostoc algae compare to common antioxidant supplements like vitamin C or NAC?

In-vitro testing shows nostoc's mycosporine-like amino acids have IC50 antioxidant values (55-185 mM) comparable to Trolox, a vitamin E analog used as a standard reference. However, these are laboratory measures and do not directly translate to human bioavailability or in-vivo potency. Clinical studies comparing nostoc antioxidant effects to vitamin C, NAC, or other common supplements in humans are currently lacking.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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