Fucoidan

Presentation by: Navya Tanniru

Reviewed by: Sydney Santos & Athira Eruthodi

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.

Further studies: 

● 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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