Fucoidan is a kind of the polysaccharide, which comes from brown algae and comprises of sulfated fucose residues. It has shown a large range of biological activities in basic researches, including many elements like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-oxidation, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-angiogenic and anti-Helicobacter pylori, etc. Cancer is a multifactorial disease of multiple causes. Most of the current chemotherapy drugs for cancer therapy are projected to eliminate the ordinary deregulation mechanisms in cancer cells. Plenty of wholesome tissues, however, are also influenced by these chemical cytotoxic effects. Existing researches have demonstrated that fucoidan can directly exert the anti-cancer actions through cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, etc., and can also indirectly kill cancer cells by activating natural killer cells, macrophages, etc. Fucoidan is used as a new anti-tumor drug or as an adjuvant in combination with an anti-tumor drug because of its high biological activity, wide source, low resistance to drug resistance and low side effects. This paper reviews the mechanism by which fucoidan can eliminate tumor cells, delay tumor growth and synergize with anticancer chemotherapy drugs in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials.
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What is brown algae?
Brown algae is a relatively large species of seaweed. There are about 1,500 species in the world. The cell walls are rich in alginate and have viscous characteristics. Most of them grow in the intertidal zone of rocky shores with low temperature. We usually eat kelp, sea vegetables, and seaweed. Yun, etc., belong to brown algae, which can grow up to 60 meters. They are quite magnificent when they multiply and can form the wonders of ocean forests.
5 functions and side effects of fucoidan
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What is Fucoidan?
Fucoidan is present in the mucus secreted by brown algae (Kombu, kelp, mozuku, wakame), which can keep the algae from being invaded by bacteria when injured and keep moist when the tide is low, but it is also found in other marine animals, such as Sea cucumber
Fucoidan is mainly a water-soluble fiber, and its chemical composition is a polysaccharide composed of sulfated fucose. The difference from other plant polysaccharides is that it has rich sulfate groups, so it has better Disease resistance
Most p.s. polysaccharides have the effect of regulating physical fitness, enhancing physical strength and immunity
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What are the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan?
Inhibit angiogenesis, prevent cancer cell metastasis and expansion
Activate natural killer cells to fight cancer
Inducing apoptosis of cancer cells (Apoptosis)
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Since fucoidan is so good, is it better to eat more brown algae?
For general health care needs, eating more brown algae is indeed good, but for special needs such as cancer prevention, you need to eat several kilograms of algae a day to do it (1 kilogram of natural brown algae can only extract 1 gram of fucoidose) glue)
Not only is it difficult to achieve, but it may also cause excessive intake of salt and minerals, and worry about pollution. Therefore, taking extracted and purified products is the most safe and effective method
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How long does it take to take fucoidan to be effective?
If you take enough, you will find improvement in body functions (such as better physical strength) in about 2 weeks, but if you want to achieve the effect of controlling cancer cells, it will take about 3 months or more from the initial to mid-term
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Can fucoidan destroy all cancer cells?
According to most research results, although the effect is not 100%, the percentage of tumors disappearing or shrinking is about 70% to 80%
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Why are the colors of fucoidan from different brands different?
Since fucoidan is extracted from natural brown algae, there will be color differences due to the type, extraction purity, and seasons used. It is definitely not an artificial coloring added.
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Can fucoidan be taken with medicine?
Fucoidan is a natural food. Although it is not a drug, it has been extracted at a high concentration. Therefore, it is recommended to take 1 hour apart when used with drugs to reduce possible interactions.