Fucoidan
Research reviewed: 2002–2018
Fucoidan (Sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 648 participants, researched for Immune Function, Antioxidant Effects, Anticoagulant Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Function
ModerateAntioxidant Effects
ModerateAnticoagulant Effects
ModerateAnti-Tumour & Gut Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Function
Evaluate fucoidan on NK cell activity and immune markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoidan on NK cell activity and immune markers
Dose
300 mg/day fucoidan
Participants
80
Duration
8 weeks
Results
NK cell cytotoxicity significantly increased (+40%); IFN-gamma elevated; immune activation without hyperstimulation
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity, lymphocyte subsets, cytokines
Assess fucoidan NK cell stimulatory effects in cancer patients
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess fucoidan NK cell stimulatory effects in cancer patients
Dose
Fucoidan extract 4 g/day
Participants
83
Duration
12 weeks
Results
NK cell activity significantly elevated vs placebo; quality of life scores improved; immune support during treatment
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, quality of life, immune markers
Antioxidant Effects
Evaluate fucoidan antioxidant capacity in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoidan antioxidant capacity in healthy adults
Dose
Fucoidan 1 g/day
Participants
60
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in ORAC and FRAP; MDA reduced by 22%; 8-isoprostane reduced; sulfated polysaccharide mechanism
How They Measured It
ORAC, FRAP, oxidative stress biomarkers
Anticoagulant Effects
Assess fucoidan anticoagulant properties and blood flow
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess fucoidan anticoagulant properties and blood flow
Dose
Fucoidan 500 mg/day
Participants
55
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significant increase in aPTT; reduced platelet aggregation; blood viscosity improved; anticoagulant effect dose-dependent
How They Measured It
aPTT, prothrombin time, platelet aggregation, blood viscosity
Anti-Tumour & Gut Health
Review fucoidan anticancer mechanisms and clinical evidence
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Review fucoidan anticancer mechanisms and clinical evidence
Dose
Various
Participants
150
Duration
Various
Results
Fucoidan induces cancer cell apoptosis; anti-angiogenic; NK cell activation; clinical human evidence emerging
How They Measured It
Narrative review of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, NK cell data
Evaluate fucoidan as adjunct in cancer immunotherapy
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoidan as adjunct in cancer immunotherapy
Dose
Fucoidan 3 g/day
Participants
73
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Quality of life significantly maintained vs control; NK cell activity elevated; some tumour markers improved; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Quality of life, NK cell activity, tumour markers
Assess fucoidan on gut health and intestinal immunity
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess fucoidan on gut health and intestinal immunity
Dose
Fucoidan 500 mg/day
Participants
80
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Prebiotic-like effect on gut microbiome; sIgA elevated; gut permeability improved; beneficial bacteria increased
How They Measured It
Gut microbiome, sIgA, gut permeability, stool markers
Comprehensive systematic review of fucoidan for human health
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Comprehensive systematic review of fucoidan for human health
Dose
Various
Participants
167
Duration
Various
Results
Strong evidence for immune activation and antioxidant effects; anticoagulant activity confirmed; anti-tumour in early clinical stages
How They Measured It
PRISMA review of human clinical evidence across all conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fucoidan research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Fucoidan (Sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae), involving 648 total participants. Research covers Immune Function, Antioxidant, Anticoagulant and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Fucoidan has been researched for: Immune Function, Antioxidant, Anticoagulant, Anti-Tumour. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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