Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): An Overview

1. Studied Conditions

Bladderwrack has been studied for various health conditions, including:

• Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism
• Obesity and weight loss
• Arthritis
• Digestive issues
• Skin conditions

2. Effectiveness in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of bladderwrack in treating the aforementioned conditions is still under investigation. Some studies suggest potential benefits due to its iodine content, which may help with thyroid function. However, the scientific evidence is not conclusive, and further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for these conditions.

3. Health Benefits

Bladderwrack is believed to have several health benefits:

• Source of iodine, which can support thyroid health
• Contains fucoidan, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• May aid in digestion due to its high fiber content
• Potential to improve skin health due to its vitamins and minerals

4. Potential Downsides

While bladderwrack may offer health benefits, it also has potential downsides:

• Excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction
• May contain heavy metals or other contaminants from the sea
• Possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Interactions with certain medications, particularly blood thinners

5. Genetic Variations and Bladderwrack

There is limited research on the relationship between genetic variations and the effects of bladderwrack. However, individuals with specific genetic conditions that affect iodine metabolism or thyroid function may need to exercise caution. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking bladderwrack, especially for those with known genetic susceptibilities or thyroid disorders.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) Research Summary

Bladderwrack, scientifically known as Fucus vesiculosus, has been the focus of several research studies due to its potential health benefits. Key findings from these studies include:

• The presence of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid that acts as an antimicrobial agent on the surface of F. vesiculosus, inhibiting bacterial settlement.
• Fucoidan, a sulfated glycosaminoglycan derived from F. vesiculosus, showed stronger antithrombotic activity compared to heparin in vivo and reduced inflammation and proliferation in vascular cells in vitro.
• Two phloroglucinol derivatives from F. vesiculosus were found to be effective radical scavengers and inhibitors of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, suggesting potential as cancer-preventive agents.
• An efficient method for extracting phlorotannins from F. vesiculosus was developed, showcasing strong antioxidant properties and the potential for therapeutic applications.
• Fucoidan extracted from F. vesiculosus inhibited melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and induced apoptosis, indicating its potential as a bioactive agent against skin cancer.
• Dietary bladderwrack was shown to lengthen menstrual cycles and have anti-estrogenic properties in pre-menopausal women, potentially contributing to a lower risk of estrogen-related cancers.
• Bladderwrack extract applied topically to human skin resulted in a significant increase in skin elasticity and a decrease in skin thickness, suggesting anti-aging benefits.

These studies underscore the diverse biological activities of compounds found in Fucus vesiculosus, highlighting its potential as a source for new drugs and applications in health and skincare products.

References:

1. Obesity and medicinal plants
2. Surface-associated fucoxanthin mediates settlement of bacterial epiphytes on the rockweed Fucus vesiculosus
3. Biological effects of fucoidan isolated from Fucus vesiculosus on thrombosis and vascular cells
4. In vitro chemopreventive potential of fucophlorethols from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus L. by anti-oxidant activity and inhibition of selected cytochrome P450 enzymes
5. Antioxidant capacities of phlorotannins extracted from the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus
6. Fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweeds inhibit proliferation of melanoma cells and induce apoptosis by activation of caspase-3 in vitro
7. Biosorption of lead and nickel by biomass of marine algae
8. A comprehensive study of metal distribution in three main classes of seaweed
9. Profiling phlorotannins in brown macroalgae by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry
10. Structural studies on fucoidans from the brown seaweed Sargassum stenophyllum
11. Fucoidan from Sargassum sp. and Fucus vesiculosus reduces cell viability of lung carcinoma and melanoma cells in vitro and activates natural killer cells in mice in vivo
12. A quantitative method to detect fucoidan in human plasma using a novel antibody
13. Development of a fucoidan-specific antibody and measurement of fucoidan in serum and urine by sandwich ELISA
14. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, inhibits adipogenesis through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
15. Inhibitory effects of Fucoidan in 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation
16. Fucoidan from Marine Brown Algae Inhibits Lipid Accumulation
17. The effect of Fucus vesiculosus, an edible brown seaweed, upon menstrual cycle length and hormonal status in three pre-menopausal women: a case report
18. Serum oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women: comparison of American whites and Japanese in Japan
19. Sex hormones in women in rural China and in Britain
20. Biological effects of a diet of soy protein rich in isoflavones on the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women
21. Decreased ovarian hormones during a soya diet: implications for breast cancer prevention
22. Fucoidan: structure and bioactivity
23. A comparative study of the anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiangiogenic, and antiadhesive activities of nine different fucoidans from brown seaweeds
24. Use of sulfated fucans as anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents: future perspectives
25. Anticoagulant fucoidan fractions from Fucus vesiculosus induce platelet activation in vitro
26. Antithrombin activity of fucoidan. The interaction of fucoidan with heparin cofactor II, antithrombin III, and thrombin
27. Anticoagulant and antithrombin activities of oversulfated fucans
28. Antihypertensive effects of hydrolysates of wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and their angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity
29. Hypolipidaemic activity of seaweed from Karachi coast
30. 13C NMR investigation of nonenzymatic glucosylation of protein. Model studies using RNase A
31. Reactions of 4-hydroxynonenal with proteins and cellular targets
32. Advanced lipid peroxidation end products in oxidative damage to proteins. Potential role in diseases and therapeutic prospects for the inhibitors
33. Advanced glycation endproducts--role in pathology of diabetic complications
34. Advanced glycation endproducts in ageing and Alzheimer's disease
35. Phlorotannins from brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus) inhibited the formation of advanced glycation endproducts by scavenging reactive carbonyls
36. A randomised crossover placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus) on postchallenge plasma glucose and insulin levels in men and women
37. Insulin release and peripheral sensitivity at the oral glucose tolerance test
38. Hypoglycemic activity of several seaweed extracts
39. The role of NK cells in antitumor activity of dietary fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls (Mekabu)
40. Potential antioxidant and anticoagulant capacity of low molecular weight fucoidan fractions extracted from Laminaria japonica
41. Fucoxanthin restrains oxidative stress induced by retinol deficiency through modulation of Na(+)K(+)-ATPase [corrected] and antioxidant enzyme activities in rats
42. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via regulating the inflammation response
43. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin isolated from brown algae in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages
44. Fucoxanthin inhibits the inflammatory response by suppressing the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages
45. Seaweed accelerates the excretion of dioxin stored in rats
46. Effect of cosmetic ingredients as anticellulite agents: synergistic action of actives with in vitro and in vivo efficacy
47. Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties
48. Fucoidan is the active component of fucus vesiculosus that promotes contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels
49. Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifidain vitro and in vivo
50. A 4-week repeated oral dose toxicity study of fucoidan from the Sporophyll of Undaria pinnatifida in Sprague-Dawley rats
51. Antitumor active fucoidan from the brown seaweed, umitoranoo (Sargassum thunbergii)
52. Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan extracted from Laminaria japonica in Wistar rats
53. Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus

Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!