Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide found in many species of brown seaweed.Fucoidan has received widespread attention due to its antioxidant, anticancer (inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing self destruction of cancer cells), and anti-inflammatory properties.
1. Anti-Oxidant Activity
Fucoidan is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX).
2. Anti-Tumor Activity
Fucoidan contains lumafucin, a novel glycosylated polysaccharide. Lumafucin has potent anticancer activity against both human cancer cell lines and animals.
The in vitro studies have shown that Fucoidan can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells, liver cancer cells, and cervical cancer cells by inducing apopxosis (cell death) and cell cycle arrest.
3. Immunoregulative Activity
Fucoidan has been shown to enhance the immune system by increasing the activity of T/B cells and NK cells. This leads to an increase in the production of IFN and TNF-b. The increase of these two cytokines stimulates the production of IgM and IgG, thereby enhancing the body's immunity against pathogens.
The anti-cancer properties of Fucoidan have been fully demonstrated, it can inhibit the growth of cancer cells while maintaining the integrity of healthy cells.