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Fucoidan: An Update on Function, Role in Human Health and Applications
Sharon Critelli1, Marilena Celano1
1Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
Chemical Biology & Drug Design
|May 9, 2026
Summary
Fucoidan, a compound from brown algae, shows promise for treating chronic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Emerging research highlights its role in epigenetics and autophagy, suggesting new therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fucoidan is a bioactive polysaccharide derived from brown algae.
- It exhibits diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, and cardioprotective effects.
- Fucoidan's potential in modulating epigenetics and autophagy is increasingly recognized for chronic disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the correlation between fucoidan's properties and its chemical characteristics.
- To highlight fucoidan's emerging roles in epigenetics and autophagy.
- To provide a basis for future preclinical and clinical studies on fucoidan's therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on fucoidan.
- Analysis of chemical structures and biological activities.
- Synthesis of current research on fucoidan's epigenetic and autophagic modulation.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan possesses a broad spectrum of biological activities relevant to chronic diseases.
- Its chemical structure influences its diverse bioactivities.
- Evidence supports fucoidan's significant potential in epigenetic regulation and autophagy modulation.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan is a promising natural compound for therapeutic and biomedical applications.
- Its unique properties in epigenetics and autophagy warrant further investigation.
- This review serves as a foundation for advancing fucoidan research towards clinical use.
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