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

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prominent global public health issue. Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biological therapies are currently used as treatments. However, they are often unsuccessful and have negative consequences on human health. Thus, there is a tremendous demand for using natural substances, such as seaweed polysaccharides, to treat IBD’s main pathologic treatment targets. The cell walls of marine algae are rich in sulfated polysaccharides, including carrageenan in red algae, ulvan in green algae, and fucoidan in brown algae. These are effective candidates for drug development and functional nutrition products. Algal polysaccharides treat IBD through therapeutic targets, including inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, intestinal epithelial cells, and intestinal microflora. This study aimed to systematically review the potential therapeutic effects of algal polysaccharides on IBD while providing the theoretical basis for a nutritional preventive mechanism for IBD and the restoration of intestinal health. The results suggest that algal polysaccharides have significant potential in complementary IBD therapy and further research is needed for fully understanding their mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.

Preventive Effect of Ecklonia cava Extract on DSS-Induced Colitis by Elevating Intestinal Barrier Function and Improving Pathogenic Inflammation

“…These findings underscore the potential of diverse marine alga extracts to manifest anti-inflammatory and anticolitis effects. Moreover, the extensive research substantiating these effects necessitates continued exploration of compounds derived from alga extracts [16].…”

“…The recent direction of IBD etiological research has ushered in the potential for innovative therapeutic modalities, including naturally occurring compounds. These compounds proffer the prospect of redressing perturbations in the gut microbiome while simultaneously expediting the restorative process of the mucosal layer [15,16]. Among such natural compounds, complex marine polysaccharides have been extensively studied as pharmaceuticals [17,18].…”

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

“…They do this by slowing down the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract, thereby reducing the peak glucose levels that occur after a meal. This can help to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels, which are common in people with diabetes [70,78].…”

“…Seaweed compounds have shown promise in this regard, as many of them have been found to have activity against multiple targets. For example, fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties, as well as potential for the treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease [78,127].…”

Investigation of Physical Characteristics and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fucoidan from Padina arborescens: A Comprehensive Assessment against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation

“…Recently, there has been an increasing trend towards the application of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds in the food and functional food industries [ 5 ]. Sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweed are renowned for various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cosmeceutical activities [ 6 ]. Most earlier studies have reported that the sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan from brown seaweeds possesses multifunctional, non-toxic, and highly biocompatible polymers [ 7 ].…”