Abstract

Klamin® is a proprietary extract of the microalgae Aphanizomenon flos aquae, which concentrates both the phenylethylamine (PEA) naturally contained in the microalgae, and microalgal molecules, such as AFA-phycocyanins and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which act as physiological MAO-B inhibtors, thus allowing PEA to reach the brain and explete its numerous neuro-modulating activities. Based on this premise, and on previous studies showing the mood enhancing activity of the extract, we tested its ability to improve the very difficult condition of terminal cancer patients, with special reference to their levels of depression, anxiety and fatigue. The results obtained were positive, in spite of the extreme condition of the patients, with significant improvement of their levels of depression and anxiety, and a lesser but still relevant improvement of their level of fatigue. This preliminary study warrants the need for further research on this very relevant subject.