Effect of dietary seaweed preparations on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced intestinal carcinogenesis in rats

Nineteen preparations from 8 species of edible seaweeds, sodium alginate and cellulose powder were incorporated into a basic diet in proportions ranging from 0.05% to 2.0%, and used as experimental diets. Experimental rats were fed these diets and controls were fed the basic diet for 12 weeks. All rats also received the carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, during above period. After 20 weeks, all rats were autopsied and the incidence of intestinal tumors induced were examined. There was a significant decrease in incidence in rats fed 6 preparations from Eisenia bicyclis, Laminaria angustata, L. angustata var. longissima and Porphyra tenera (P less than 0.05).