Fucoxanthin: A promising compound for human inflammation-related diseases

Fucoxanthin, a natural product of carotenoids, is a potential drug source obtained from marine algae. The special chemical structure of fucoxanthin has equipped it with a variety of biological activities. Several studies have indicated that fucoxanthin has a potential protective effect on a variety of inflammation-related diseases. This mechanism may be related to fucoxanthin's strong antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota regulation. The key molecules that require consideration include nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Akt serine/threonine kinase/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-dependent protein kinase, cAMP response element binding protein, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α. The study summarizes the recent progress in the research based on the protective effect of fucoxanthin and its related molecular mechanism, in addition to the potential use of fucoxanthin as a promising compound for human inflammation-related diseases.