Fucoidans are a class of sulfated, fucose-rich polysaccharides located primarily in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. They provide structure and are thought to help protect the seaweed against desiccation. Indeed, it has been found that seaweeds in the mid to high intertidal zone typically have higher fucoidan contents than those in the lower intertidal and subtidal zones. Fucoidan was first isolated from the brown seaweeds Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, Laminaria digitata and Laminaria saccharina (now Saccharina latissima) by Dr. Kylin of Uppsala University, Sweden in 1913. There are different kinds of fucoidans with different levels of sulfation, and fucoidan molecules are diverse across different species. Until recently, fucoidan was thought to be unique to brown seaweeds, but it has now been discovered in a few species of marine invertebrates including sea cucumbers and in the egg coating of sea urchins. Fucoidan content is affected by seasonality, climate and geographic location. Fucoidan is a water-soluble, dietary fibre.
Fucoidan is the subject of well over a thousand studies. Currently, it is being exhaustively investigated for its potential role in cancer prevention and therapy. Research has reported the following anticancer effects of fucoidan: targeting of cancer cells and cancer cell death by apoptosis; increase in immune function including T-cell interferon production and macrophage phagocytosis; impairment of tumour progression by inhibiting cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, tumour vascularization, invasion, and metastasis. Published, peer-reviewed studies have reported fucoidan-induced anticancer effects on the following types of cancers: breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, lung, stomach, esophageal, colon, leukemia, lymphoma, pancreatic and bladder cancer. Researchers report that fucoidan shows excellent cytotoxic selectivity, meaning it selectively targets apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. The majority of these studies are in vitro or in vivo using animal models. Fucoidan has also been shown to help alleviate undesirable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and some studies suggest it may potentiate some conventional therapies. Fucoidan extracts from brown seaweeds are sold and marketed as a nutraceutical for the prevention of cancer and as a supportive therapy.
In addition to the reported anticancer effects of fucoidan, research has also shown fucoidan to have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiadhesive, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, studies have shown fucoidan to help normalize blood sugar levels, induce osteoblast formation and inhibit osteoclast differentiation (suggesting potential as an osteoporosis preventative) and inhibit Th2 and IgE overproduction associated with allergies. Studies on fucoidan have also reported numerous positive effects on gastrointestinal health including the promotion of healthy gut flora, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, the cleansing of toxins and imparting a soothing, coating effect on mucous membranes.
Fucoidan is bioavailable simply by consuming most brown seaweeds. It is safe, non-toxic and can be consumed by people of all ages. In my research, I found more positive attributes associated with fucoidan than any other novel and unique compound in seaweeds, and it appears to have the most diverse potential for supporting human health. Phycologists suggest its role in protecting seaweed…perhaps it protects us in a similar way.
Basic structure of a fucoidan molecule.
References
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