Bioactives from brown algae
A recently published review paper has examined the key bioactive compounds found in brown algae, including fucoidans, and summarised their various bioactivities. Researchers in New Zealand analysed studies published over a ten-year period, between 2014 and 2024, focusing on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial properties of various algal compounds. The review paper highlighted multiple studies investigating the bioactivities of fucoidans across all four health areas.
The paper notes the substantial growth predicted in the future market value of fucoidan. It cites a 2023 report in which the global market for fucoidan was valued at USD$65.75 million and projected to reach USD$147.9 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 9.5 % from 2024 to 2031. The growth was attributed to rising consumer interest in natural products and the projected inclusion of fucoidan in innovative new products in the dietary supplement, pharmaceutical and medical device categories.
The full paper, ‘Bioactives from Brown Algae: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Potential’ was published in the journal ChemBioEng Reviews.