Healthy ageing: Reducing oxidative stress
Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals outnumber antioxidants in the body. The imbalance can cause cellular damage, increase chronic disease risk and weaken the immune system. Oxidative stress acts as a driver of biological ageing and functional decline, contributing to the Hallmarks of Ageing.
A wide range of studies provide evidence that fucoidans act as modulators of oxidative stress. Fucoidans, long chain polysaccharides, can neutralise free radicals by sharing an electron and thereby stabilising them. A new review paper summarises the extensive evidence demonstrating the antioxidant effects of fucoidans, in addition to other properties that make them particularly attractive when addressing conditions linked to oxidative stress. These include conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, intestines, the central nervous system, and the skin.
The paper reviews the biochemistry of fucoidans, noting that factors such as sulfation density, molecular weight and extraction techniques may influence functional chemistry. Depending on the seaweed source, polyphenols - well-known free radical scavengers - may also be present in fucoidan extracts, providing additional antioxidant capacity. Maritech® Synergy is an example of a commercially available fucoidan-polyphenol complex often included in healthy ageing formulations due to its exceptional antioxidant (ORAC) power.
The paper notes that determining fucoidan characterisation and source species is critical to compiling future evidence relating to fucoidans and their antioxidant benefits. The reviewers highlight the importance of recording source species, harvesting techniques, extraction and purification methods, and key characterisation parameters in order to continue to build a comprehensive body of evidence. As the authors note, ‘two preparations, both labelled “fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida,” may not be functionally equivalent.’ Marinova shares this viewpoint and encourages formulators and brand owners to verify the provenance and identify of their fucoidans, along with requesting the supporting science.
‘Therapeutic role of fucoidans against oxidative stress: recent developments, translational challenges, and future directions’ was published in Archives of Toxicology.