The Latest Research on Fucoidan and Its Immune Health and Antiviral Properties by Dr. Susana Trujillo

At a time when global interest in immune health is at an unprecedented high, consumers around the world are turning attention to their diets in a bid to enhance overall health and wellbeing. Subsequently, there is increased interest in ingredients that bolster immunity, particularly those that are natural, certified organic and are supported by clinical evidence.

One such example is Fucoidan – a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed that offers unique physiological benefits. Two areas of bioactivity currently of specific interest are the immuno-modulatory and antiviral properties of Fucoidan. 

Immune responses to vaccines or infections can be compromised, particularly during periods of ill health and in older members of the population. Fucoidan has been shown to exert a variety of beneficial effects on the human immune system, including:

• Boosting the immune response to seasonal influenza vaccinations.1
• Activating Natural Killer cells and cytotoxic T cells.2
• Mobilizing stem cells.3
• Dampening allergic response.4

Fucoidan may also act as an antiviral agent, preventing viral infections by blocking adhesion and entry of viruses to host cells. Research has demonstrated that:

• Fucoidan has been shown to be very effective in inhibiting both Herpes Simplex viruses5 and influenza viruses.6,7
• Fucoidan extends its antiviral action to a range of other common viruses such as measles8, Newcastle virus9 and canine distemper.10

Consumers and product manufacturers alike are advised to verify the provenance and identity of their Fucoidan. Japan and Australia are home to the leading manufacturers of Fucoidan. Globally recognized biotechnology companies in both of these countries specialize in the manufacture of high purity Fucoidan and remain committed to ongoing scientific research to support these superior extracts. 

To provide assurance over the quality and efficacy of your Fucoidan supplement, only choose Fucoidan ingredients that are high purity, certified organic and backed by credible scientific evidence. 

For further information about the research on Fucoidan you may contact Dr. Susana Trujillo at [email protected]. 

DISCLAIMER: The statements regarding this product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. The information on this website or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your physician. Please consult a doctor with any questions you may have regarding your condition.

REFERENCES: 

1. Negishi, H., Mori, M., Mori, H., & Yamori, Y. (2013). Supplementation of elderly Japanese men and women with fucoidan from seaweed increases immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination. Journal of Nutrition, 143(11):1794-8. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.179036. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.179036.

2. Myers, S.P., O’Connor, J., Fitton, J.H., Brooks, L.O., Rolfe, M.l., Connellan, P.A., Wohlmuth, H., Cheras, P.A., & Morris, C.A. (2011). A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex. Biologics Targets & Therapy, 5:45-60. doi: 10.2147/BTT.S12535.

3. Irhimeh, M.R., Fitton, J.H., & Lowenthal, R.M., (2007). Fucoidan ingestion increases the expression of CXCR4 on human CD34+ cells. Experimental Hematology. 35(6):989-994. doi: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.02.009.

4. Maruyama, H., Tamauchi, H., Kawakami, F., Yoshinaga, K., & Nakano, T. (2015). Suppressive Effect of Dietary Fucoidan on Proinflammatory Immune Response and MMP-1 Expression in UVB-Irradiated Mouse Skin. Planta Medica, 81(15):1370-4. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1557821.

5. Thompson, K.D., & Dragar, C. (2004). Antiviral activity of Undaria pinnatifida against herpes simplex virus. Phytotherapy Research. 18(7):551-5. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1487.

6. Hayashi, T. (2008). Studies on evaluation of natural products for antiviral effects and their applications. Yakugaku Zasshi, 128(1):61-79. doi: 10.1248/yakushi.128.61.

7. Makarenkova, I.D., Deriabin, P.G., L’vov, D.K., Zviagintseva, T.N., & Besednova, N.N. (2010). Antiviral activity of sulfated polysaccharide from the brown algae Laminaria japonica against avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in the cultured cells. Vopr Virusol, 55(1):41-5.

8. Morán-Santibañez, K., Cruz-Suárez, L.E., Ricque-Marie, D., Robledo, D., Freile-Pelegrín, Y., Peña-Hernández, M.A., Rodríguez-Padilla, C., & Trejo-Avila, L.M. (2016). Synergistic Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Mexican Seaweeds against Measles Virus. BioMed Research International, 2016:8502123. doi: 10.1155/2016/8502123.

9. Elizondo-Gonzalez, R., Cruz-Suarez, L.E., Ricque-Marie, D., Mendoza-Gamboa, E., Rodriguez-Padilla, C., & Trejo-Avila, L.M. (2012). In vitro characterization of the antiviral activity of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus against Newcastle Disease Virus. Journal of Virology, 12;9:307. doi: 10.1186/1743-422X-9-307.

10. Trejo-Avila, L.M., Morales-Martínez, M.E., Ricque-Marie, D., Cruz-Suarez, L.E., Zapata-Benavides, P., Morán-Santibañez, K., & Rodríguez-Padilla, C. (2014). In vitro anti-canine distemper virus activity of fucoidan extracted from the brown alga Cladosiphon okamuranus. Virusdisease, 25(4):474-80. doi: 10.1007/s13337-014-0228-6. 

Media Details
Company: Marinova
Name: Dr. Susana Trujillo
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.marinova.com.au/
Number: (929) 215-4000