This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Extended studies of fucoidan, a bioactive compound found in the cell walls of brown seaweed, confirm its potential to combat oxidative stress in future disease treatments—but it remains a long way from mass production and routine medical use.

Flinders University pharmacology experts, in collaboration with industry partners from the Hobart-based biotech company Marinova Pty Ltd, say mounting evidence of its potential for immune modulation, gut and digestive health, supplementary oncology treatments and skin care and dermal health warrants further testing to move toward human trials.

The new article reviewed 10 years of studies on fucoidan and found it had great potential as a therapy with multiple antioxidant effects.

"Studies over the past decade provide growing evidence that fucoidans merit serious consideration as oxidative stress–modulating agents," says professor Arduino Mangoni, strategic professor and head of clinical pharmacology at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health.

"The research so far indicates that its positive effects could deliver benefits in liver, kidney, intestinal, skin and wound repair, along with selected neurodegenerative diseases—but we have a long way to go to unpack its potential."

Flinders University research associate Dr. Jai Meyers says it takes many years or decades to bring a new drug to market—or a line of nutraceuticals or natural cosmetics to supermarket shelves—but fucoidan, as a bountiful marine polysaccharide, is already being farmed sustainably around the world.

Source link