A recent study which appeared in the journal Marine Drugs is furthering the scientific intrigue in fucoidan, a seaweed extract known for its potential to alter genetic expression in humans.
 
An Australian clinical study has revealed that an extract from the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida influences over 30 different biological pathways and processes.
 
In the first worldwide clinical trial of its kind, the placebo-controlled, double blind pilot study demonstrated that the unique polysaccharide fucoidan, derived from brown macroalgae, affects microRNA composition in the plasma of healthy individuals. The results support the known inhibitory effects of fucoidan in inflammation, cancer and neurological disorders.
 
The analysis found that nine additional pathways and processes that had not previously been associated with fucoidan before. “Overall, this study illustrates that even a single dose of fucoidans has the potential to affect the expression of genes related to fundamental cellular processes,” the study authors wrote.    
 
Blood samples were taken immediately before, and 24 hours after, ingestion of either a single dose of fucoidan or a placebo.
 
MicroRNAs are widely studied as biomarkers over a wide range of health indications including cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and inflammation. They are small RNA molecules known to regulate gene expression. In some cases, a direct pathological function has been established providing the opportunity to utilize them as therapeutic targets.
 
Results of the study demonstrated that fucoidan can alter regulatory microRNA in healthy individuals. Furthermore, they showed that even a single dose of fucoidan has the potential to affect the expression of genes related to fundamental cellular processes.
 
The study also confirmed previous published findings demonstrating that fucoidan has beneficial effects on immunity, cancer cells, inflammation and neurological function. In particular, analysis of the fucoidan-induced changes in serum microRNA substantiated the known anti-cancer effects of fucoidan. The BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) signaling pathway was also shown to be affected, supporting the previously documented antidepressant effects of fucoidan.
 
Nine additional pathways and processes were identified that have not previously been associated with fucoidan. These include renal cancer and circadian rhythm.
 
“This new clinical research not only confirms previous data demonstrating that fucoidan has beneficial effects on immunity, cancer cells, inflammation and neurological function, but provides insight into new pathways not formerly associated with fucoidan,” Dr. Helen Fitton, co-author of the paper and chief scientist at Marinova, said. “These are exciting results that further increase the potential for fucoidan to be utilized in a wider range of therapeutic treatments.”
 
The fucoidan utilized in the study was Maritech fucoidan, manufactured by Australian biotechnology company Marinova.