Name: Factory Supply Good Service High Purity Fucoidan CAS 9072-19-9
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Fucoidan is a term used for a class of beneficial sulfated polysaccharides (long, complex chains of sugar molecules) found predominantly in the cell walls of various species of brown seaweed (like kombu, wakame, mozuku, and bladderwrack) and, to a lesser extent, in some marine invertebrates like sea cucumbers.

It is not a single molecule but rather a family of molecules with varying structures and biological activities depending on the source, species, and extraction method. Its name is derived from Fucus, a genus of brown algae.

Key Properties and Characteristics

Composition: It is primarily made up of a fucose sugar backbone, but it also frequently includes other sugars like galactose, mannose, xylose, and uronic acids.
Key Feature: Its most defining characteristic is a high content of sulfate ester groups and fucose. The degree of sulfation and the molecular weight are critical factors influencing its biological activity.
Solubility: It is water-soluble and forms viscous solutions.

Natural Sources

Fucoidan is extracted from brown seaweeds, with different species having varying concentrations and structures:

Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus): A key source from Okinawa, Japan.
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida): A common edible seaweed.
Kombu (Saccharina japonica): Often used to make dashi broth.
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): A well-studied source.
Sea Cucumbers: Also contain a similar type of sulfated polysaccharide.

Potential Health Benefits and Biological Activities (Based on Research)

Fucoidan has attracted significant scientific interest due to its wide range of potential bioactivities. It's important to note that while in vitro (lab studies) and in vivo (animal studies) research is very promising, human clinical evidence is still evolving for many applications.

1. Immune System Modulation:
It is known to stimulate and modulate the immune system. It can enhance the activity of immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, helping the body defend against pathogens.

2. Antioxidant Properties:
It acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to chronic diseases and aging.

3. Anti-Coagulant and Anti-Thrombotic Effects:
Similar to the pharmaceutical heparin, fucoidan has shown blood-thinning properties by inhibiting blood clot formation. This is a significant area of research but also a caution for those on blood-thinning medication.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Studies suggest it can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions.

5. Anti-Cancer Research:
This is a major area of investigation. Laboratory studies have shown that fucoidan can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain cancer cells, inhibit angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors), and prevent cancer metastasis (spread). It is not a cure for cancer, but it is being studied for its potential as a supportive therapeutic agent.

6. Gut Health:
It can act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It also may help protect the gut lining.

7. Anti-Viral Activity:
Research indicates it may inhibit the attachment and entry of certain viruses (including some herpes viruses and potentially others) into host cells.

8. Skin Health:
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and skincare products aimed at anti-aging and moisturizing.

Uses and Availability

Dietary Supplements: Available in capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
Functional Foods and Beverages: Added to health drinks, snacks, and other food products.
Cosmeceuticals: Used in serums, creams, and lotions for its skin benefits.
Biomedical Research: Investigated for potential use in drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine.

Safety and Considerations

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS): It is generally considered safe for consumption as a food or supplement.
Blood Thinning: Due to its anticoagulant property, individuals on blood-thinning medication (like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) or with bleeding disorders should consult a doctor before using fucoidan supplements.
Surgery: It is typically advised to stop taking fucoidan several weeks before scheduled surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough data on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended.
Quality and Purity: As with any supplement, product quality can vary greatly depending on the source, species, and extraction method.

Summary

Aspect	Description
What it is	A family of sulfated polysaccharides found in brown seaweed and sea cucumbers.
Primary Source	Brown Seaweed (e.g., wakame, kombu, mozuku).
Key Activities	Immune modulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, anti-cancer (research phase).
Common Uses	Dietary supplements, functional foods, skincare products.
Important Note	Promising research exists, but human clinical trials are ongoing for many health claims.

In short, Fucoidan is a fascinating marine compound with a wide spectrum of potential health benefits supported by strong preliminary scientific research, making it a prominent subject in the fields of nutraceuticals and functional medicine.