Fucoidan inhibits growth and spread of lung cancer in mice
Recently published research out of Taiwan suggested that oral fucoidan lessened body weight loss and reduced lung masses in mice inoculated with lung cancer. In this study, fucoidan down-regulated the expression of a number of key markers associated with tumour development, spread and proliferation. These markers included matrix metalloproteinases, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and vascular endothelial growth factor. The researchers concluded that fucoidan is a promising chemo-preventative agent for minimising weight loss symptoms associated with this condition and reducing tumour proliferation.
Huang TH, Chiu YH, Chan YL, Chiu YH, Wang H, Huang KC, Li TL, Hsu KH, Wu CJ. Prophylactic Administration of Fucoidan Represses Cancer Metastasis by Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Lewis Tumor-Bearing Mice. Mar Drugs. 2015 Apr 3;13(4):1882-900.