What is Fucoidan
Fucoidan has been attracting attention in recent years as a type of slimy component found in seaweed, and is expected to have a variety of health benefits. Even though it's referred to simply as fucoidan, there are various types and qualities.
This page provides basic knowledge of fucoidan in an easy-to-understand manner. It covers the types and effects of fucoidan, as well as guidance on how to choose it, serving as a valuable reference for selecting health foods.
Fucoidan was discovered in 1913 by Professor Kylin of Uppsala University in Sweden as one of the mucilaginous components in kombu (kelp). It was originally named 'fucoijin,' but was later renamed 'fucoidan' according to the International Glycoconjugate Nomenclature.
Fucoidan is a unique, slimy component found in brown algae such as kombu, wakame (mekabu), and mozuku, and is a type of water-soluble dietary fiber. Chemically, it is a sulfated polysaccharide primarily composed of fucose, but also contains other sugars such as galactose, mannose, xylose, and uronic acids. The name 'fucoidan' is not assigned to a substance with a specific structure but is used as a general term for high-molecular polysaccharides that have fucose as their main component.
What medical benefits have been recognized for fucoidan?
Fucoidan has been shown to have various effects, including anti-tumor effects, apoptosis induction, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, and anti-allergy effects.
Results of Joint research with Kagoshima University
Inhibition of transplanted cancer tumor growth and activation of immunity (NK cells)
Fucoidan activates NK cells and exhibits anti-tumor effects