Fucoidan / Brown Algae for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Fucoidan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide that's found in brown seaweed (some varieties of brown seaweed include mozuku, kombu, limumoui, bladderwrack, Kajime, and wakame). These brown seaweeds are consumed regularly in the normal diet of residents in Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and China, where cancer rates among people who eat more traditional diets are remarkably low (if not practically nonexistent). Fucoidan, one of the many compounds found in brown seaweed, has been shown to have anti-cancer activity against a variety of different cancer types, and appears to work by targeting apoptotic molecules in the cancer cell [1][2].Medicinal Properties of Fucoidan and Brown Algae
Research has shown that fucoidan has the following medicinal action against cancer cells:- Slows the develop of tumors
- Activates immune system
- Oxidative stress and stem cell mobilization
- Obliterates tumor cells
- Interrupts angiogenesis
- Protects patients against the toxicity of conventional cancer treatments [1][2][3].
Brown algae is also a valuable treatment for hair loss. Ecklonia cava, or Kajime, is a seaweed that grows in the waters around Korea and Japan that is especially well-known for its ability to treat androgenic alopecia in particular. You can read more about brown algae as a hair loss treatment in this article.
Brown algaes as whole foods have been used to treat the following health problems:
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Stress-related illness
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Heart disease / Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol / Hypercholesterolemia
- Insomnia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Asthma
- Gulf War Syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Hair loss
- Multiple-chemical sensitivity
- Chronic inflammation
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Bladderwrack: A Special Type of Brown Algae with Multiple Health Benefits
Bladderwrack, or Fucus vesiculosus, is a brown seaweed with special medicinal properties. We talk about bladderwrack regularly on our site as a source of iodine, as well as a special iodine-related supplement that not only contains, iodine, but also helps the body convert iodine more effectively into its usable form and convert it into useable thyroid hormones. Some people choose to work only with bladderwrack at first to boost their iodine levels and heal the thyroid, reproductive organs, and immune system, while other people choose to combine bladderwrack with Lugol’s iodine and its supportive supplements. Both are viable options depending on your individual health situation, preferences, and needs.Click here to read more about the Iodine Therapy Protocol, and click here to read about how iodine deficiency and bromine/fluorine toxicity related to the development of cancer (and other major health problems). Readers should note that iodine supplementation in some form (either as an herbal supplement like bladderwrack or as Lugol’s iodine) is an essential part of cancer treatment and prevention.
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As a cancer treatment, bladderwrack has been found to be effective for treating estrogen-related breast cancers in particular. Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), another brown algae species, has also been found to have especially potent antitumor activity against breast cancer cells.
Below are some of the other notable health benefits of bladderwrack:
- Balances insulin levels in type 2 diabetic patients
- Aids whole-body detoxification
- Supports digestion by relieving constipation, flatulence/gassiness, digestive cramping, and other digestive issues
- May support weight loss by encouraging feelings of fullness; L-fucose, a sugar compound found in bladderwrack, has also been found to reduce body weight gain, triglyceride levels, and fat accumulation in animals fet a high-fat diet
- Has antithrombotic and anticoagulant activity (thus supporting cardiovascular health)
- Increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels
- Has notable anti-estrogenic and progestogenic effects in the female body (this may help encourage longer menstrual cycles in pre-menopausal women)
Bladderwrack can be taken as capsules, tincture, or powder, but it can also be eaten as a food if it’s available in fresh or dried whole forms. Fucus vesiculosus is commonly eaten in Asia and some parts of Europe as part of the diet, and is rich in not only iodine, but also nutrients and nutrient-like substances like lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor), and others. As a supplement, it should be taken at a dose of 500-600mg per day in capsule form, or the equivalent amount as a tincture.
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How Brown Algae Works to Treat Cancer and Other Diseases
While fucoidan specifically may act to cause apoptosis in cancer cells, whole brown seaweeds have holistic action in the body when it comes to treating and preventing cancer. In addition to fucoidan, brown algae also naturally contains high levels of iodine, peptides, phlorotannins, carotenoids, and polyphenols. Iodine itself is a powerful nutrient-based cancer cure and preventive medicine, but research has also shown that the phlorotannins and polyphenols in brown algae are also powerfully antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antibacterial. Indeed, the results of the China Study may reflect the simple fact that East Asian populations have lower rates of cancer due to the high levels of iodine in the diet (compared to the serious depletion of this nutrient in the Western diet, and the corresponding high levels of cancer in the West). Read more about the China Study and the China Study Diet for preventing and curing cancer in this article.Fucoidan has been found to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body, thus not only reducing inflammation, but also pain caused by inflammation, overexaggerated immune responses, and cytokine storm. This can make fucoidan (and brown algae) a good treatment choice for a wide range of health problems, including not only cancer and major chronic diseases, but also for acute infectious diseases like viral and bacterial infections. Topically, brown algae may help relieve pain and discomfort from bug bites, hives, skin infections, burns, and more.
Brown algae has special benefits in terms of cardiovascular health, and thus may be a good medicine especially for people who have cancer as well as cardiovascular problems or concerns. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found in most brown algaes, has been found to reduce blood pressure levels and other risk factors associated with stroke and heart attack. This carotenoid has also been studied as a potential cancer preventative medicine. Meanwhile, alginate, a polysaccharide in brown algae, is known to limit glucose and cholesterol uptake; the inhibition of glucose uptake in particular also makes brown algae a good choice for treating type 2 diabetes. All seaweeds are also a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels (besides having a long list of other health benefits).
Badderlocks (Alaria esculenta) and Kombu (Saccharina spp.) brown algaes have also been found to impair the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain and nervous system. This makes these two brown algaes in particular a good treatment choice for Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative conditions involving amyloid plaque formation; in patients with both cancer and one of these neurodegenerative conditions, one of these two types of brown algae would be an ideal choice to tackle both problems simultaneously.
Protective Properties of Fucoidan Against Chemo and Radiation
Fucoidan has been used with chemotherapy and radiation to protect patients against the toxicity of these treatments. It has a low toxicity [1][2].
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How to Take Fucoidan and Brown Algae
Depending on the patient’s individual needs and preferences, brown algae can be included in a cancer treatment protocol either as a whole food (seaweed), as a capsulized supplement, or as a tincture. Follow the dosing recommendations below to get started using brown algae:- Whole Food - If you have access to fresh, dried, or powdered forms of brown algae, these can be included in the diet. Eat some of this seaweed at least once a day to incorporate this food into your cancer cure protocol. When shopping for brown algae, note that common names include: mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus.), kombu (Saccharina spp.), limu moui (Sphaerotrichia divaricata), bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), Kajime (Ecklonia cava), and wakame (Undaria pinnatifida).
- Capsules and Tinctures - Depending on the type of brown algae that you take, and your individual constituency, you may need to take more or less algae on a day-to-day basis to experience positive results. Start with the dose recommended on the product that you choose (if you’re very sensitive to new supplements, consider cutting the dose in half at first and work your way up as you feel comfortable).
Fucoidan / Brown Algae Safety
This is a food-based cancer treatment with a high degree of safety. It can be used as a part of a cancer treatment protocol for anyone in any situation, including for infants and small children, as well as for pregnant/lactating women and for elderly patients.Resources:
• [1] Atashrazm, F., Lowenthal, R. M., Woods, G. M., Holloway, A. F., Dickinson, J. L. (2015). Fucoidan and Cancer: A Multifunctional Molecule with Anti-Tumor Potential. Retrieved June 5, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413214/
• [2] Kwak, J. Y. (2014). Fucoidan as a marine anticancer agent in preclinical development. Retrieved June 5, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24477286
• [3] Senthilkumar, K., Manivasagan, P., Venkatesan, J., Kim, S. K. (2013). Brown seaweed fucoidan: biological activity and apoptosis, growth signaling mechanism in cancer. Retrieved June 5, 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23817097
• RxList (n.d). Brown Algae. Retrieved December 2, 2024 from: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/brown_algae.htm#:~:text=Brown%20algae%20are%20edible%20algae,cholesterol%2C%20and%20many%20other%20conditions.
• Bernard, Miriam, et. al. (n.d). Medicinal Uses of Seaweeds. Retrieved December 2, 2024 from: https://edepot.wur.nl/476558
• Ruggeri, Christine (2024). Bladderwrack Benefits for Thyroid Health, Digestion and Healthy Aging. Retrieved December 3, 2024 from: https://draxe.com/nutrition/bladderwrack/
