Incredible article and review attempting to help us understand more about the mechanism of action of one of our favorite compounds, Fucoidan, found in our seaweeds in our products!!
Take a moment to read the abstract and a few figures below. Remarkable work by these authors!!
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Fucoidan is a natural derived compound found in different species of brown seaweed
and in some animals (e.g. sea cucumber), that has gained attention for its anticancer properties.
However, the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown. Therefore, this review will address fucoidans structure, the bioavailability, and all known different pathways affected by fucoidan, in order to formulate fucoidans structure and activity in relation to its anti-cancer mechanisms.
The general bioactivity of fucoidan is difficult to establish due to factors like species-related structural diversity, growth conditions, and the extraction method.
The main pathways influenced by fucoidan are the PI3K/AKT, the MAPK pathway, and the caspase pathway. PTEN seems to be important in the fucoidan-mediated effect on the AKT pathway. Furthermore, the interaction with VEGF, BMP, TGF-, and estrogen receptors are discussed.
Also, fucoidan as an adjunct seems to have beneficial effects, for both the enhanced effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduced toxicity in healthy cells.
In conclusion, the multipotent character of fucoidan is promising in future anti-cancer treatment. However, there is a need for more specified studies of the structure–activity relationship of fucoidan from the most promising seaweed species.
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More research is needed, but what a great review to take one step further to highlighting opportunities.
Cheers to your health,
~Infinitum Health Team
References
Geert van Weelden, et. al. Fucoidan Structure and Activity in Relation to
Anti-Cancer Mechanisms. Marine Drugs 2019, 17, 32
(pdf of study below)
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