Potential anti‐obesity effects of fucoidan from Malaysian brown seaweed (Sargassum binderi) by in vivo study

Abstract

SummaryBrown seaweed is a natural source of fucoidan, a polysaccharide known for its remarkable bioactivities. This study investigated the anti‐obesity effects of fucoidan (Fsar) from Malaysian brown seaweed (Sargassum binderi) using Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were divided into four dietary groups, including normal diet (ND), high‐fat diet (HFD), HFD with orlistat (HFD‐O) and HFD with Fsar (HFD‐F) for 28 days. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) 36% reduction in body weight gain and an 18% decrease in visceral fat mass in the HFD‐F group compared to the HFD group. Additionally, Fsar treatment also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced insulin (threefold) and leptin (1.3‐fold) levels in blood serum. Improvements in obesity‐related biomarkers by Fsar were observed with a 1.1–1.4‐fold decrease in serum lipid profiles of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), without causing kidney or liver toxicity. These findings highlight fucoidan's potential as an anti‐obesity, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.