Fucoidans Stimulate Immune Reaction and Suppress Cancer Growth

Anticancer Research 2017 —Vetvicka, V. & Vetvickova. Fucoidans Stimulate Immune Reaction and Suppress Cancer growth. 37:6041-6046 (2017)  This article examined the efficacy of fucoidans, complex polysaccharides found predominantly in marine algae, echinoderms and seagrasses, as natural immunomodulators. The study used a variety of fucoidans, both purified samples and commercially available products containing fucoidans. Measures were taken on phagocytosis, mitogenic response, natural killer cell activity, antibody formation and inhibition of breast cancer formation. Results showed that fucoidans have significant biological activities, though the pure fucoidans seemed to have the most activity. The addition of other substances to fucoidans needs to be further studied to determine whether there is any positive effects.  Read more…