Biological Properties and Health-Promoting Functions of Laminarin: A Comprehensive Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Abstract

Marine algal species comprise of a large portion of polysaccharides which have shown multifunctional properties and health benefits for treating and preventing human diseases. Laminarin, or β-glucan, a storage polysaccharide from brown algae, has been reported to have potential pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-coagulant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and neuroprotective potential. It has been widely investigated as a functional material in biomedical applications as it is biodegradable, biocompatible, and is low toxic substances. The reported preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the potential of laminarin as natural alternative agents in biomedical and industrial applications such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, functional food, drug development/delivery, and cosmeceuticals. This review summarizes the biological activities of laminarin, including mechanisms of action, impacts on human health, and reported health benefits. Additionally, this review also provides an overview of recent advances and identifies gaps and opportunities for further research in this field. It further emphasizes the molecular characteristics and biological activities of laminarin in both preclinical and clinical settings for the prevention of the diseases and as potential therapeutic interventions.

Water-Soluble Saccharina latissima Polysaccharides and Relation of Their Structural Characteristics with In Vitro Immunostimulatory and Hypocholesterolemic Activities

“…Specifically, FCSPs have been subject of intensive research due to their biological activities and health-promoting functions [ 6 ]. However, alginates [ 7 ] and laminarans [ 8 ] have also been recognized for their bioactive properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic.…”

Seaweeds as Nutraceutical Elements and Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus: Future Perspectives

“…Laminarin, another seaweed polysaccharide, has been shown to inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. By inhibiting this enzyme, laminarin can reduce the amount of glucose that is absorbed from the digestive tract and therefore lower blood sugar levels [10,81].…”

“…Given the promising results of preclinical studies, seaweed-derived compounds have the potential to provide a rich source of new multitargeted drugs for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications [10]. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of these compounds and optimize their therapeutic potential.…”

The Role of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health: Protective Effect against Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Laminarin is another underexploited polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds. Laminarins typically consist of low-molecular-weight (5-10 kDa) β-glucans with β-(1-3)-linked d-glucose residues [52,53]. These polysaccharides have been reported to possess distinct therapeutic roles, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-coagulant effects [54][55][56][57].…”