Furcellaran, a versatile seaweed extract

Biology of Furcellaria lumbricalis (Hudson) Lamouroux (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales), a commercial carrageenophyte

“…In this pure, native form it was first isolated from this species and demonstrated enzymologically to be analogous to the starch reserves of higher plants (Meeuse, 1962). Schachat and Glicksman (1959) have reported the content of floridean starch in F. lumbricalis to rise during summer to as much as 3.6% of fresh weight.…”

“…Cleve (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959;Blunden etal., 1975;Ragan, 1984). A further inhibitory effect has been suggested by increased mortality of herring eggs spawned onto F. lumbricalis versus chlorophyte, angiosperm and mollusc substrates (Rajasilta et al, 1989).…”

“…In F. lumbricalis, it has been reported to increase during summer to as much as 0.8% of fresh weight (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959). A novel c-mannoside derivative of floridoside was isolated from this alga by Lindberg (1954), notwithstanding Ross's (1953) claim that mannose is absent.…”

“…In the pharmaceutical industry, it has been important in the manufacture of toothpaste (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959), and effective in the control of stomach ulcers (Chapman & Chapman, 1980). It has found limited used as a bacteriocide (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959), as an inert 'filler' in appetitereducing diet products, and as culture medium for bacteria (Christiansen, 1959) and human cells (Unsgaard et al, 1985). Although generally superior to kappa-carrageenan in products involving milk gels, furcellaran nonetheless has more limited application overall.…”

“…Furcellaran also finds varied application in the manufacture of other bakery products, confectionery, jams and jellies, reconstituted meats, custards, and chocolate milk, and is used by the brewing industry to clarify beer (Glicksman, 1983). In the pharmaceutical industry, it has been important in the manufacture of toothpaste (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959), and effective in the control of stomach ulcers (Chapman & Chapman, 1980). It has found limited used as a bacteriocide (Schachat & Glicksman, 1959), as an inert 'filler' in appetitereducing diet products, and as culture medium for bacteria (Christiansen, 1959) and human cells (Unsgaard et al, 1985).…”