Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
10:18
Author Spotlight: Exploring Seaweed's Bioactive Compounds for Sustainable Innovations in Industries
Published on: November 21, 2023
3.0K
Seaweed Components as Potential Modulators of the Gut Microbiota
Emer Shannon1,2, Michael Conlon2, Maria Hayes1
1Food Biosciences, Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, D15 KN3K Dublin, Ireland.
Marine Drugs
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Seaweed compounds can improve gut bacteria diversity and abundance, potentially preventing or treating diseases linked to microbial imbalance. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Gut microbiota imbalance is linked to various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and cancer.
- Macroalgae (seaweeds) contain bioactive components with potential health benefits for the gut microbiome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on seaweed-derived compounds for modulating gut microbiota.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of seaweed bioactives in preventing and treating human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro and in vivo studies on seaweed polysaccharides, polyphenols, and peptides.
- Discussion of oral bioaccessibility and bioavailability using various gastrointestinal models (in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo).
Main Results:
- Seaweed polysaccharides (fucoidan, laminarin, alginate, ulvan, porphyran) show prebiotic potential, enhancing beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production.
- Seaweed bioactives may positively modulate gut microbiota, offering protection against pathogens and influencing immunomodulation and cancer cell apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Seaweed-derived compounds demonstrate promising therapeutic applications for gut health and disease prevention.
- Large-scale clinical trials are essential to validate the therapeutic efficacy of seaweed bioactives in humans.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
403
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...
403
01:18Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
263
Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
263
01:29Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
800
The gut microbiome is formed by a vast and diverse community of bacteria that colonizes our large intestine. These bacteria start residing in the gut from birth and continue diversifying throughout life, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress. The gut bacterial community also includes bacteria from food and those that enter the colon through the anus.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
800
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
583
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
583