Fucoidan May Modulate Immune System Activity

Fucoidans have demonstrated a remarkable ability to modulate immune system activity. Modulation is the ability to down-regulate or up-regulate immune system function.. [1] Fucoidan contains all of the essential saccharides for cellular communication in the body, including fucose, galactose, glucose, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, acetylneurominic acid, xylose and acetylglucosamine.[3]  The body has glycoprotein molecules that communicate with the immune system to initiate defenses in the body.  These molecules react with the polysaccharides in fucoidan, to complete the cells ability to transmit their message.[2]

 

The Research:

  1. A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex. Myers SP1, O’Connor J, Fitton JH, Brooks L, Rolfe M, Connellan P, Wohlmuth H, Cheras PA, Morris C.Biologics. 2011;5:45-60. doi: 10.2147/BTT.S12535. Epub 2011 Feb 15.
  2. PLoS One. 2014 Jun 9;9(6):e99396. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099396. eCollection 2014. Jin JO1, Zhang W1, Du JY1, Wong KW1, Oda T2, Yu Q3. pubmed 24911024
  3. Interactions between sulfated polysaccharides from sea brown algae. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2012 Dec;154(2):241-4. Makarenkova ID1, Logunov DY, Tukhvatulin AI, Semenova IB, Besednova NN, Zvyagintseva TN. pubmed 23330135