Research publications

Rigorous scientific investigation is pivotal to our business. Below is a selection of peer-reviewed publications attesting to the bioactive properties of fucoidan extracts produced by Marinova.

Therapies from fucoidan; multifunctional marine polymers. Marine Drugs, 2011

The first review paper written on fucoidan by Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr Helen Fitton. It provides an elaborate guide on fucoidan research undertaken between 2000 and 2010 and created a foundation for the latest review paper published in 2015. Full article

Therapies from fucoidan: An update. Marine Drugs, 2015

An updated review of existing research findings on fucoidan, written by Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr Helen Fitton. This review discusses the main bioactivities and application areas of fucoidan, as well as characterisation, extraction and detection methods for fucoidan compounds. Full article

Fucoidan extracts ameliorate acute colitis. PLOS ONE, 2015

This research paper highlights the benefits of oral Maritech^® Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan and Maritech^® Synergy in a mouse model of acute colitis. Cumulative histological disease scores for the distal colon and weight loss – a common and often undesirable side effect of colitis – were significantly reduced. Full article

Fucoidans disrupt adherence of Helicobacter pylori to AGS cells in vitro. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015

The in vitro studies discussed in this paper show Maritech^® fucoidan extracts are extremely effective at dislodging H. pylori from infected human stomach cancer cells. The study also shows fucoidan extracts to be profoundly toxic to human gastric cancer cells in vitro. Full article

Topical benefits of two fucoidan-rich extracts from marine macroalgae. Cosmetics, 2015

This comprehensive research paper discusses a variety of clinical and in vitro studies that attest to the profound cosmetic bioactivity of Maritech^® Bright and Maritech^® Reverse. These qualities include anti-ageing, protecting and soothing following UV exposure and skin brightening. Full article

A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex. Biologics, 2011

This article provides clinical evidence to confirm the safety of oral fucoidan administration. Fucoidan significantly increased cytotoxic T cells and phagocytic capacity in monocytes, as well as significantly decreasing levels of inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6. Full article

A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex on osteoarthritis. Biologics, 2010

Osteoarthritis symptoms decreased in a dose-dependent manner, when human subjects suffering from clinical osteoarthritis were supplemented with oral fucoidan. This study also confirms the safety of oral Maritech^® fucoidan consumed at a high dose over a 12 week period. Full article

Fucoidan ingestion increases the expression of CXCR4 on human CD34+ cells. Experimental Hematology, 2007

This research paper elaborates on the ability of Maritech^® fucoidan to increase stem cell populations. The clinical trial found oral administration of Maritech^® Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan significantly increased the CXCR4 hemopoietic stem cell population, from 45% to 90% after only 12 days. Full article

Antiviral activity of Undaria pinnatifida against Herpes Simplex Virus. Phytotherapy Research, 2004

This paper presents in vitro studies on the activity of fucoidan towards various clinical strains of the Herpes Simplex virus. Maritech^® Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan was found to exhibit excellent anti-viral activity, through the inhibition of viral binding and entry to host cells. Full article