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Therapies from fucoidan; multifunctional marine polymers
1Marinova Pty Ltd., 249 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge, Tasmania 7170, Australia.
Marine Drugs
|November 11, 2011
Summary
Fucoidans, marine polymers from algae, show significant anti-inflammatory and therapeutic potential. Research highlights their diverse applications, from treating diseases to protecting against radiation, making fucoidan therapies a promising reality.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fucoidan research surged threefold between 2000-2010.
- Fucoidans are algal-derived marine carbohydrate polymers with valuable bioactivities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of fucoidan in controlling inflammation.
- To detail recent research on fucoidan's toxicology, uptake, and comparative activities.
- To discuss diverse clinical applications of fucoidan.
Main Methods:
- Review of published in vivo, in vitro, and clinical research.
- Analysis of fucoidan's mechanisms of action (selectin blockade, enzyme inhibition, complement cascade inhibition).
- Comparison of fucoidan fractions from various sources.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan effectively controls acute and chronic inflammation.
- Investigated applications include osteoarthritis, kidney/liver disease, infectious diseases, stem cell modulation, radiation protection, and snake envenomation.
- Toxicology and uptake data are presented.
Conclusions:
- Well-characterized fucoidan fractions are now available on a commercial scale.
- Fucoidan-based therapies are a realizable goal for various medical needs.
- Fucoidan's broad bioactivities support its therapeutic potential.
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