Introduction:

Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide found in brown algae, seaweed, seagrasses, and echinoderms (Tello, 2020). Fucoidans are known for their unique biological composition; they have a common backbone structure with a greatly varied molecular structure depending on the specific species they are derived from (Luthuli et al., 2019). The content of fucoidans also differs considerably due to numerous factors including the species it comes from, the time it was harvested, and how it was extracted. They are safe to consume and already are being consumed daily in regions that have a diet rich in seaweed. In Japan, long-term dietary consumption of seaweed and seaweed-rich foods has no adverse effects and may contribute to Japan’s long life expectancy (Fucoidan, 2019). This natural supplement is being widely researched and used due to its beneficial properties to the brain and body; these include antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective effects (Luthuli et al., 2019). In vitro and animal studies, show that fucoidan aids in the treatment of neurological injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (Dimitrova-Shumkovska, Krstanoski, & Veenman, 2020). With more clinical studies, this supplement may be used to supplement cancer and TBI treatments in the future.

Future Research

● Preclinical studies and clinical trials to see if the same properties observed in animal models are consistent in humans

● Clinical studies to observe the effects of fucoidan on brain health & function in treating neurological diseases and injuries

● Understanding the complex structure of fucoidan in various species of brown algae, seaweeds, & echinoderms

● Determine the relationships between its structure & function

● Understand its mechanism on impacting various biological pathways

References

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2337-2348. doi:10.3390/md10102337

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Dimitrova-Shumkovska, J., Krstanoski, L., & Veenman, L. (2020, May 5). Effects of fucoidan on brain disease [Digital image]. Retrieved June 23, 2020, from

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/18/5/242/html

Dimitrova-Shumkovska, J., Krstanoski, L., & Veenman, L. (2020). Potential Beneficial Actions of Fucoidan in Brain and Liver Injury, Disease, and Intoxication—Potential Implication of Sirtuins. Marine Drugs, 18(5), 242. doi:10.3390/md18050242

Fucoidan. (2019, September 19). Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/ratings/fucoidan

Gueven, N., Spring, K. J., Holmes, S., Ahuja, K., Eri, R., Park, A. Y., & Fitton, J. H. (2020). Micro RNA Expression after Ingestion of Fucoidan; A Clinical Study [Abstract]. Marine Drugs, 18(3), 143. doi:10.3390/md18030143

Ikeguchi, M., Yamamoto, M., Arai, Y., Maeta, Y., Ashida, K., Katano, K., . . . Kimura, T. (2011). Fucoidan reduces the toxicities of chemotherapy for patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. Oncology Letters, 2(2), 319-322. doi:10.3892/ol.2011.254

Li, B., Lu, F., Wei, X., & Zhao, R. (2008). Fucoidan: Structure and Bioactivity. Molecules, 13(8), 1671-1695. doi:10.3390/molecules13081671

Life Extension (n.d.). Life Extension Optimized Fucoidan with Maritech 926, 60 Vegetarian Capsules [Digital image]. Retrieved August 24, 2020, from

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Extension-Optimized-Fucoidan-Vegetarian/dp/B004V3TTVI

Luthuli, S., Wu, S., Cheng, Y., Zheng, X., Wu, M., & Tong, H. (2019). Therapeutic Effects of Fucoidan: A Review on Recent Studies. Marine Drugs, 17(9), 487. doi:10.3390/md17090487

Luthuli, S., Wu, S., Cheng, Y., Zheng, X., Wu, M., & Tong, H. (2019, August 21). Sources of fucoidan [Digital image]. Retrieved July 14, 2020, from https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/17/9/487/htm

Tello, C. (2020, February 21). 4 Fucoidan Health Benefits (Including Cancer) + Side Effects. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://selfhacked.com/blog/health-benefits-fucoidan/

Yamasaki-Miyamoto, Y., Yamasaki, M., Tachibana, H., & Yamada, K. (2009). Fucoidan Induces Apoptosis through Activation of Caspase-8 on Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(18), 8677-8682. doi:10.1021/jf9010406