Commercially available fucoidan is commonly extracted from the seaweed species Fucus vesiculosus (wracks), Cladosiphon okamuranus, Laminaria japonica (kombu, sugar kelp) and Undaria pinnatifida (wakame).
Fucoidan extracts are utilised in a range of therapeutic health care preparations, being incorporated as high value ingredients in nutritional, medical device, skincare and dermatological products.
[14] Today, fucoidan continues to be used as a complementary therapy in many parts of Asia, namely Japan and Korea, where it is not uncommon for it to be recommended to patients undergoing treatment for cancer.
Interest in, and use of, fucoidan is growing rapidly across the western world as scientific research gains momentum and global regulatory approvals expand.
Research has predominantly focussed on the areas of anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-inflammation or pain[17], immunity, gut and digestive health, wound healing and anti-ageing.
Emerging areas of scientific research include microbiome, renal disease, dental health, biomaterials, drug delivery, neuroprotection,[15] coagulation and cardiovascular applications.
Extraction techniques that minimise polymer degradation tend to preserve this feature, while other methods can be used to target more specific molecular weight fractions (e.g. 8 kDa).
Specifically, Undaria pinnatifida (wakame seaweed) and Fucus vesiculosus are approved for consumption by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who classify fucoidan as a biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic dietary supplement that is “Generally Regarded As Safe” (GRAS).
[26] In recent years, certain fucoidan extracts in particular have attained regulatory approvals in a number of global jurisdictions, mainly for use in food and dietary supplements.
Some of the tested brand-names listed “fucoidans” as the primary ingredient on their product’s nutrition label and outer packaging, yet the presence of glucose or cellulose was revealed.
Manufacturers (and consumers) are encouraged to verify the provenance and identity of fucoidan ingredients before incorporating them into formulations, and to support the purchasing of products strictly from reputable producers, brand-names and companies.
As the commercial use of seaweed gains momentum across the globe, and novel applications rise to the fore, it is important that sustainable management practices are maintained.