Abstract
Since our last review in 2015, the study and use of fucoidan has extended in several research areas. Clinical use of fucoidan for the treatment of renal disease has become available and human safety studies have been undertaken on radiolabeled fucoidan for the purpose of imaging thrombi. Fucoidan has been incorporated into an increasing number of commercially available supplements and topical treatments. In addition, new measuring techniques are now available to assess the biologically relevant uptake of fucoidans and to assist in production. Microbiome modulation and anti-pathogenic effects are increasingly promising applications for fucoidans, due to the need for alternative approaches to antibiotic use in the food chain. This review outlines promising new developments in fucoidan research, including potential future therapeutic use.
Highlights
Fucoidans are high molecular weight, fucose-based, sulphated polysaccharides from brown macroalgae [1]
We described the extraction and analysis for a range of macroalgal fucoidans, in addition to uptake and biological activity [1]
Another emerging application in the literature is the use of fucoidans in ocular diseases [18], age-related macular degeneration due to their ability to interfere with the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [19]
Summary
Fucoidans are high molecular weight, fucose-based, sulphated polysaccharides from brown macroalgae [1]. Despite earlier research into the potential of fucoidans to prevent post-surgical adhesions—an area of unmet clinical need—only one commercially available product for use in horses, called PERIDANTM, has eventuated [7]. The modulation of immune activity by fucoidans shows promise, as an anti-inflammatory agent, and as a potential vaccine adjuvant. This immune-modulatory effect may represent an additional anticancer mechanism for fucoidans. Observations in elderly Japanese subjects showed that oral administration of a fucoidan extract enhanced their response to influenza vaccines [16] The mechanism for this useful activity may be associated with the ability of fucoidans to bind to Toll-like receptors [17]. Another emerging application in the literature is the use of fucoidans in ocular diseases [18], age-related macular degeneration due to their ability to interfere with the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [19]
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