Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
The potential of brown-algae polysaccharides for the development of anticancer agents: An update on anticancer
K K Asanka Sanjeewa1, Jung-Suck Lee2, Won-Suck Kim3
1Department of Marine Life Science, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
In recent decades, attention to cancer-preventive treatments and studies on the development of anticancer drugs have sharply increased owing to the increase in cancer-related death rates in every region of the world. However, due to the adverse effects of synthetic drugs, much attention has been given to the development of anticancer drugs from natural sources because of fewer side effects of natural compounds than those of synthetic drugs. Recent studies on compounds and crude extracts from marine algae have shown promising anticancer properties. Among those compounds, polysaccharides extracted from brown seaweeds play a principal role as anticancer agents. Especially, a number of studies have revealed that polysaccharides isolated from brown seaweeds, such as fucoidan and laminaran, have promising effects against different cancer cell types in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we reviewed in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties reported for fucoidan and laminaran toward various cancer cells from 2013 to 2016.
Insights
Marine algae polysaccharides like fucoidan and laminaran show significant anticancer potential. These natural compounds offer a promising alternative to synthetic drugs, with demonstrated efficacy against various cancer cells in recent studies.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Rising cancer mortality drives demand for novel treatments.
- Synthetic anticancer drugs often cause adverse effects.
- Natural compounds from marine sources offer safer alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of fucoidan and laminaran.
- To summarize research on these brown seaweed polysaccharides from 2013-2016.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies published between 2013 and 2016.
- Focus on in vitro and in vivo research concerning fucoidan and laminaran.
- Analysis of anticancer effects against various cancer cell types.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan and laminaran exhibit significant anticancer activities.
- These polysaccharides demonstrate efficacy in both laboratory and animal models.
- Evidence supports their potential as anticancer agents.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan and laminaran are promising natural compounds for cancer therapy.
- Brown seaweed polysaccharides represent a valuable source for anticancer drug development.
- Further research is warranted to explore their therapeutic applications.
More Related Videos
09:20Preclinical Assessment of the Bioactivity of the Anticancer Coumarin OT48 by Spheroids, Colony Formation Assays, and Zebrafish Xenografts
Published on: June 26, 2018
14:20Polymalic Acid-based Nano Biopolymers for Targeting of Multiple Tumor Markers: An Opportunity for Personalized Medicine?
Published on: June 13, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:19Other Algae
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules