Active agent in seaweed has strong anti-oxidant properties

Pixelanarchy algae

Extended studies of fucoidan, a bioactive compound found in brown seaweed, confirm its potential to combat oxidative stress in future disease treatments – but it remains a long way from mass production and routine medical use.

Flinders University pharmacology experts, in collaboration with industry partners from the Hobart-based biotech company Marinova Pty Ltd, say there is mounting evidence about its potential for immune modulation, gut and digestive health, as well as supplementary oncology treatments and skincare and dermal health, which warrants further testing to move towards human trials.

The new article, published this month, reviewed 10 years of studies on fucoidan and found it had great potential as a multiple anti-oxidant therapy.

“Studies over the past decade provide growing evidence that fucoidans merit serious consideration as oxidative stress-modulating agents,” says Professor Arduino Mangoni, Strategic Professor and Head of Clinical Pharmacology at Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health.

“The research so far indicates that its positive effects could deliver benefits in liver, kidney, intestinal, skin and wound repair, along with selected neurodegenerative diseases – but we have a long way to go to unpack its potential.”

Flinders University research associate Dr Jai Meyers

Flinders University research associate Dr Jai Meyers says it takes many years or decades to bring a new drug to market – or a line of nutraceuticals or natural cosmetics on supermarket shelves – but fucoidan, as a bountiful marine polysaccharide, is already being farmed sustainably around the world.

“With further research, improved chemical understanding and better modelling, we could identify realistic disease targets to progress towards human trials,” says Dr Meyers, from Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Clinical Pharmacology.

Dr Jai Meyers has a background in molecular biology and cancer research and is currently working on joint projects with Marinova Pty Ltd and the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to investigate the effects of marine bioproducts on cardiovascular health and breast cancer.

The new article – Therapeutic role of fucoidans against oxidative stress: recent developments, translational challenges, and future directions (2026) by Arduino A Mangoni, Barbara C Wimmer, Joel T Kidgell and Jai Meyers has been published in Archives of Toxicology. DOI: 10.1007/s00204-026-04572-z.

Acknowledgements: The Flinders University researchers have received previous research funding from Marinova Pty Ltd.

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The post Active agent in seaweed has strong anti-oxidant properties first appeared on Empower Stories | Build Authority - Drive Impact .