Harnessing the Ocean's Power: Fucoidan as a Novel Neuroregenerative Agent

Neurological disorders, characterized by progressive neuronal loss and functional decline, pose a formidable challenge to global health due to the lack of effective therapies. Fucoidan, a class of fucose-rich sulfated polysaccharides derived from brown seaweed, has emerged as a highly promising candidate for neuronal regeneration. This review synthesizes the extensive body of preclinical evidence supporting the neuroprotective and neuroregenerative potential of fucoidan. Its therapeutic efficacy relies on potent anti-inflammatory activity through the modulation of glial cell activation, significant antioxidant effects by neutralizing reactive oxygen species and reinforcing endogenous defenses, and direct anti-apoptotic actions that inhibit programmed cell death. Furthermore, this review highlights the pivotal and emerging role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a key regulator of the neuroprotective effects of fucoidan, whereby its prebiotic activity in the gut instigates systemic benefits that extend to the central nervous system. By consolidating findings from diverse preclinical models of ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, we conclude that fucoidan is a powerful, multitarget agent. Future research focused on establishing precise structure-activity relationships and further elucidating its action via the gut-brain axis will be important for translating this promising natural compound into a validated clinical therapy for neurological disorders.