Fucoidan suppresses IgE production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with atopic dermatitis

Effects of fucoidan and synbiotics supplementation during bismuth quadruple therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection on gut microbial homeostasis: an open-label, randomized clinical trial

Background

The eradication regimen for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can induce gut dysbiosis. In this open-label, prospective, and randomized clinical trial, we aimed to assess the effects of fucoidan supplementation on the eradication rate and gut microbial homeostasis in the context of quadruple therapy, as well as to investigate the combined effects of fucoidan and synbiotics supplementations.

Methods

Eighty patients with H. pylori infection were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: the QT (a 2-week quadruple therapy alone), QF (quadruple therapy plus a 6-week fucoidan supplementation), QS (quadruple therapy plus a 6-week synbiotics supplementation), and QFS (quadruple therapy with a 6-week fucoidan and synbiotics supplementation), with 20 patients in each group. The QT regimen included rabeprazole, minocycline, amoxicillin, and bismuth potassium citrate. The synbiotics supplementation contained three strains of Bifidobacterium, three strains of Lactobacillus, along with three types of dietary fiber. All of the patients underwent 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) at baseline and at the end of the 6th week after the initiation of the interventions. Fresh fecal samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the 6th week for gut microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The eradication rates among the four groups showed no significant difference. In the QT group, a significant reduction in α-diversity of gut microbiota diversity and a substantial shift in microbial composition were observed, particularly an increase in Escherichia-Shigella and a decrease in the abundance of genera from the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families. The Simpson index was significantly higher in the QF group than in the QT group. Neither the QS nor QFS groups exhibited significant changes in α-diversity or β-diversity. The QFS group was the only one that did not show a significant increase in the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, and the relative abundance of Klebsiella significantly decreased in this group.

Conclusion

The current study provided supporting evidence for the positive role of fucoidan and synbiotics supplementation in the gut microbiota. The combined use of fucoidan and synbioticss might be a promising adjuvant regimen to mitigate gut dysbiosis during H. pylori eradication therapy.

Fucoidan in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review for Smart Drug Delivery Systems

Fucoidan is a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides isolated from marine organisms, including brown algae and marine invertebrates. The physicochemical characteristics and potential bioactivities of fucoidan have attracted substantial interest in pharmaceutical industries in the past few decades. These polysaccharides are characterized by possessing sulfate ester groups that impart negatively charged surfaces, low/high molecular weight, and water solubility. In addition, various promising bioactivities have been reported, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. Hence, the formulation of fucoidan has been investigated in the past few years in diverse pharmaceutical dosage forms to be able to reach their site of action effectively. Moreover, they can act as carriers for various drugs in value-added drug delivery systems. The current work highlights the attractive biopharmaceutical properties of fucoidan being formulated in oral, inhalable, topical, injectable, and other advanced formulations treating life-quality-affecting diseases. Therefore, the present work points out the current status of fucoidan pharmaceutical formulations for future research transferring their application from in vitro and in vivo studies to clinical application and market availability.

Evaluating the Skin Interactions and Permeation of Alginate/Fucoidan Hydrogels Per Se and Associated with Different Essential Oils

Marine polysaccharides are recognized for their biological properties and their application in the drug delivery field, favoring hydrogel-forming capacities for cutaneous application towards several dermatological conditions. Essential oils have been widely used in skin, not only for their remarkable biological properties, but also for their capacity to enhance permeation through the skin layers and to confer a pleasant scent to the formulation. In this study, menthol, L-linalool, bergamot oil, and β-pinene were incorporated in alginate/fucoidan hydrogels to evaluate their skin permeation enhancement profile and assess their influence on the skin organization. The combinations of different essential oils with the marine-based fucoidan/alginate hydrogel matrix were characterized, resulting in formulations with pseudoplastic rheological properties favorable for a uniform application in the skin. The ex vivo Franz diffusion permeation assays revealed that calcein loaded in bergamot-alginate/fucoidan hydrogel permeated more than 15 mg out of the initial 75 mg than when in linalool-alginate/fucoidan, alginate/fucoidan or hydrogel without any incorporated oil. Skin calcein retention for menthol- and pinene-alginate/fucoidan hydrogels was 15% higher than in the other conditions. Infrared micro-spectroscopic analysis through synchrotron-based Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy evidenced a symmetric shift in CH₃ groups towards higher wavenumber, indicating lipids' fluidization and less lateral packing, characterized by a band at 1468 cm^-1, with the bergamot-alginate/fucoidan, which contributes to enhancing skin permeation. The study highlights the effect of the composition in the design of formulations for topical or transdermal delivery systems.

Anti-Allergic Activity of Fucoidan Can Be Enhanced by Coexistence with Quercetin

In recent years, the incidence of type I hypersensitivity including hay fever has been increasing year by year in Japan. Our previous study using mice showed that only oral, but not intraperitoneal, administration of fucoidan extracted from seaweed (Saccharina japonica) suppressed type I hypersensitivity by secretion of galectin-9, which has a high affinity for IgE in the blood. However, the amount of seaweed required to achieve this activity is quite high (12 g dry weight per person per day). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to search for food ingredients in vegetables that enhance type I hypersensitivity suppression effect when consumed together with fucoidan. As a result, the enhanced effect was observed in extracts from Welsh onions and onions among vegetables. When we compared the polyphenols in the vegetables that showed activity with those that did not, flavonols such as quercetin and kaempferol were found as candidates. When quercetin or kaempferol (100 μg each) were orally administered at the same time, even at amounts where fucoidan alone showed no anti-allergic activity, anti-allergic effects were observed. More interestingly, when both flavonols were combined and administered simultaneously at half the amount of each of the above flavonols (50 μg), while the fucoidan amount remained the same, a similar effect was observed as when each flavonol (100 μg) was administered alone. The simultaneous intake of fucoidan and vegetables containing high contents of quercetin or kaempferol may reduce fucoidan intake while maintaining the allergy suppression effect, suggesting the importance of food combination.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ethyl acetate fraction in ethanol extract from Sarcodia suiae sp. alleviates atopic dermatitis-like lesion in mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory and pruritic disease; it can be treated by inhibiting inflammation. Sarcodia suiae sp. is an edible, artificially cultivable red algae with multiple bioactivities. We assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of S. suiae sp. ethanol extract (PD1) on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like lesions. Results show that PD1 alleviated symptoms and significantly decreased clinical dermatitis score. PD1 inhibited serum immunoglobulin E expression and alleviated swelling in the spleen and subiliac lymph nodes. In skin tissues, PD1 alleviated aberrant hyperplasia, decreased epidermal thickness, and decreased the accumulation of mast cells. PD1 mediated the recovery of skin barrier-related proteins, such as claudin-1 and filaggrin. Our study demonstrated that PD1 has anti-inflammatory effects, alleviates AD symptoms, inhibits inflammatory responses in skin tissues, and restores barrier function in DNCB-induced AD mice. These findings reveal that S. suiae sp. extract provides an alternative protective option against AD.

Sulphated glucuronomannan tetramer and hexamer from Sargassum thunbergii exhibit anti-human cytomegalovirus activity by blocking viral entry

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains a major public health burden worldwide. The anti-HCMV activity of glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (Gs) and sulphated glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (SGs) was investigated. Among these Gs and SGs, G4S1 and G6S1 (higher sulphated glucuronomannan tetramer and hexamer) showed satisfactory anti-HCMV activity starting at 50 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL, respectively. The results of the morphology, western blotting, qPCR and TCID50 assay showed that they prevented lytic cytopathic changes, inhibited the expression of IE1/2 and UL44, and reduced the UL123 copy number and virus titre significantly. It was interesting to note that degree of sulphation and polymerization was more important for anti-HCMV activity. Moreover, the anti-HCMV activities of G4S1 and G6S1 were stable when stored at 4 °C, -20 °C, and -80 °C for at least three months and mainly occurred in the early stage of HCMV infection through the negative charge of the sulphate groups and the interaction between SGs and the host cells.

Fucoidan Modulated Oxidative Stress and Caspase-3 mRNA Expression Induced by Sulfoxaflor in the Brain of Mice

The current study aimed to investigate the role of fucoidan in the oxidative and apoptotic effects of sulfoxaflor, a neonicotinoid sulfoximine insecticide, in the brain of Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Sulfoxaflor and fucoidan were administered to mice at doses of 15 mg/kg/day (1/50 oral LD50) and 50 mg/kg/day, respectively, by oral gavage for 24 h or 7 days. The tGSH, TBARS and protein levels, and GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Caspase-3 gene expression level was determined by RT-PCR. Data analysis showed that brains of sulfoxaflor-treated mice exhibited higher TBARS levels; GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities; and caspase-3 expression levels, as well as lower levels of tGSH. Co-administration of fucoidan and sulfoxaflor reduced the TBARS levels, increased tGSH levels, and increased GPx, GR, and GST enzyme activities. Fucoidan also decreased the sulfoxaflor-induced up-regulation of caspase-3 mRNA expression. Results of the present study showed that sulfoxaflor caused oxidative stress by inducing lipid peroxidation and altering GSH-dependent antioxidants in the brain of mice. In addition, sulfoxaflor may trigger apoptotic cell death shown by the up-regulation of caspase-3. Fucoidan treatment modulated all the aforementioned alterations in the brain of mice. It was concluded that fucoidan might have antioxidant effects that support the GSH-dependent antioxidant system and can play a modulator role in oxidative stress and caspase-3 expression in the brain of sulfoxaflor treated-mice.

Topical application of fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus alleviates atopic dermatitis symptoms through immunomodulation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a T helper (Th) 2 cell-mediated allergic disease, which features increased number of immunocytes and level of Th2-associated cytokines. Fucoidan is well known a naturally occurring agent effectively ameliorating many AD symptoms. Though these alleviative effects are exhilarating, the mechanisms behind, however, are still rather limited. In this study, we report that fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus (FT) inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production by exerting its anti-inflammatory ability. Topical application on animals show that FT promotes skin repair, reduces immunocyte proliferation, and decreases serum IgE level. In histological analysis, FT favorably reduces epidermal hyperplasia and eosinophilic infiltration. The pharmacodynamics mechanism of FT is determined by means of down-regulating AD-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-22, IL-33, and TSLP) and up-regulating TGF-β1 level. Moreover, FT can regulate systemic immunity by enhancing tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) to activate regulatory T cells (Treg) differentiation and to decrease the population of Th22 and memory B cells. Overall, topical application of FT is able to enhance Treg secreting TGF-β1 and to down-regulate Th2 cell-mediated immunity so that AD symptoms are significantly alleviated. Thereby, FT is an ideal drug candidate potentially replacing or complementing corticosteroids to be developed and used as a therapeutic agent to treat AD.

Modulation of Gene Expression in a Sterile Atopic Dermatitis Model and Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion by Fucoidan

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial pathology that includes perturbations of gene expression and increased adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus. Fucoidans are seaweed-derived sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides that are known to be anti-inflammatory and may inhibit adhesion of pathogens. Fucoidan was assessed for effects on gene expression of an in vitro 3D model of atopic dermatitis. It was also assessed for inhibitory effects on the adhesion of bacteria onto 3D reconstructed skin. Fucoidan significantly altered gene expression in the atopic dermatitis model, and there was a trend to reduce periostin levels. Fucoidan significantly inhibited the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes but did not affect the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Fucoidan may be a useful topical agent to assist in the management of atopic dermatitis.

The role of algal fucoidans in potential anti-allergic therapeutics

Allergic diseases are among the commonest causes of chronic ill-health and are rapidly rising the prevalence and complexity. Although the current drugs are efficacy for treatment of allergic diseases, however the extensive clinical use of these drugs has led to the diverse and undesirable side effects. Thus, the extensive studies of alternative anti-allergic agents from natural products are essential for a long-term purpose. Marine environment covers a huge source of extremely potential secondary metabolites for drug discovery. Among them, fucoidans from brown seaweeds have been evidenced to possess various biological activities and health benefit effects. Notably, a great deal of interest has been expressed regarding anti-allergic activity of fucoidans. Consequently, this contribution presents an overview of potential anti-allergic therapeutics of fucoidans from brown seaweeds to emphasize its functions in prevention as well as treatment of allergic diseases.

Depolymerized sulfated galactans from Eucheuma serra ameliorate allergic response and intestinal flora in food allergic mouse model

The ameliorative effect of depolymerized sulfated polysaccharides from Eucheuma serra (DESP) on ovalbumin (OVA)-caused induced food allergy was investigated in this work. Results showed that OVA stimulated the secretion of allergy-related cytokines (OVA-specific IgE, mMCP-1, IgA, TNF-α) and led to diarrhea, intestinal epithelial damage, and intestinal microflora dysbiosis in sensitized mice. After the administration of DESP, however, the anaphylactic symptoms (shortness of breath, hypothermia, diarrhea), along with the allergy-related cytokines, were effectively suppressed. Moreover, the reduced intestinal inflammation was discovered in the DESP-treated group. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was performed, and gene count and α-diversity analysis revealed that DESP improved microbial community richness. Taxonomic composition analysis showed that DESP modulated the proportion of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes/Proteobacteria. Particularly, DESP increased probiotics (Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotellaceae) and decreased pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacteraceae and Desulfovibrionaceae). These findings, therefore, suggest that DESP may ameliorate food allergy through the regulation of intestinal microbiota.

Effect of nasal irrigation on allergic rhinitis control in children; complementarity between CARAT and MASK outcomes

Background

Nasal irrigations (NI) are increasingly used as an over-the-counter adjunctive treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR), but clinical studies on their effectiveness are limited.

Methods

An open-label, controlled, non-randomized, real-life study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of NI with a new hypertonic solution as add-on treatment for AR. Children and adolescents with AR were prescribed symptomatic treatment. The active group also received an additional sea-water NI solution supplemented with algae extracts. The primary endpoint was symptom control, assessed by the control of allergic rhinitis and asthma test (CARAT) questionnaires. Moreover, the MASK/Allergy Diary was used to track symptoms and daily medication use that were combined in a novel total symptom/medication score (TSMS).

Results

We assessed 76 patients. Overall, there was a significant improvement of CARAT results (median Z-score change of 1.1 in the active/NI group vs. 0.4 in the control group; p = 0.035). Among patients > 12 years old (n = 51), there was a significant improvement in CARAT10 results among participants receiving NI (21.0 to 25.5; p < 0.001), but not in the regular treatment group (21.5 to 24.0; p = 0.100). For children < 12 years old (n = 25), the ΝΙ group had significantly improved symptom control (CARATKids results: 5.0 to 2.0; p = 0.002), in contrast to the control group (4.0 to 2.5; p = 0.057). MASK data on allergic symptoms were comparable between groups. However, the NI group had lower TSMS, more days with < 20% symptoms and fewer days using symptomatic treatment (26.9% vs. 43.5%; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Addition of NI with a sea-water solution to regular treatment improved AR symptom control. CARAT questionnaires and MASK application can be useful outcome tools in real-life studies.

The Pharmacokinetics of Fucoidan after Topical Application to Rats

Fucoidan, a fucose-rich polysaccharide from brown algae, has been used for transdermal formulations targeting inflammatory skin conditions, for the treatment of thrombosis, vascular permeability diseases, subcutaneous wounds, and burns. However, the pharmacokinetics of fucoidan after topical application has not been described. In this study, an ointment (OF) containing 15% fucoidan was topically applied to rats at the doses of 50–150 mg/g. The anti-Xa activity was selected as the biomarker, and the amidolytic assay method was validated and applied for pharmacokinetic studies of fucoidan. Fucoidan in OF penetrated the skin and distributed into the skin, striated muscle, and plasma with AUC_0–48 = 0.94 μg·h/g, 2.22 μg·h/g, and 1.92 µg·h/mL, respectively. The longest half-life for fucoidan was observed in plasma, then in striated muscle and skin. It was found that the pharmacokinetics of fucoidan after topical OF application was linear, in the range of 50–150 mg/kg. No accumulation of fucoidan in plasma was observed after repeated topical applications of 100 mg/kg during five days. Our results support the rationality of topical application of formulations with fucoidan.

Beneficial Effects of Marine Algae-Derived Carbohydrates for Skin Health

Marine algae are considered to be an abundant sources of bioactive compounds with cosmeceutical potential. Recently, a great deal of interest has focused on the health-promoting effects of marine bioactive compounds. Carbohydrates are the major and abundant constituent of marine algae and have been utilized in cosmetic formulations, as moisturizing and thickening agents for example. In addition, marine carbohydrates have been suggested as promising bioactive biomaterials for their various properties beneficial to skin, including antioxidant, anti-melanogenic and skin anti-aging properties. Therefore, marine algae carbohydrates have potential skin health benefits for value-added cosmeceutical applications. The present review focuses on the various biological capacities and potential skin health benefits of bioactive marine carbohydrates.

Oligo-fucoidan improved unbalance the Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 ratios in asthmatic patients: An ex vivo study

An imbalance in the helper T cells (Th)1/Th2 and regulatory T cells (Tregs)/Th17 ratios is believed to play a key role in asthmatic inflammatory responses. Fucoidan reportedly reduces the production of inflammatory factors. Nutritional intervention is an important tool in decreasing the severity of asthmatic disease. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial roles of oligo-fucoidan in balancing the T cell subtype ratios and reducing airway inflammation ex vivo. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 30 asthmatic subjects and 15 healthy subjects. Harvested PBMCs were stimulated and treated with or without oligo-fucoidan (100 or 500 µg/ml) for 48 h. Cell surface and intracellular cytokine markers were examined by flow cytometry. The pro-inflammatory factors in plasma and culture supernatants were measured using ELISA kits. We found that oligo-fucoidan increases the proportion of Th1 and Treg cells, but did not affect the proportion of Th2 and Th17 cells. Oligo-fucoidan also increased the levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-10. Thus, we concluded that oligo-fucoidan might improve the imbalance in Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 ratios to reduce airway inflammation, which could be a potential adjuvant therapy for allergic asthma.

Therapies from Fucoidan: An Update

Fucoidans are a class of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides found in brown marine algae and echinoderms. Fucoidans have an attractive array of bioactivities and potential applications including immune modulation, cancer inhibition, and pathogen inhibition. Research into fucoidan has continued to gain pace over the last few years and point towards potential therapeutic or adjunct roles. The source, extraction, characterization and detection of fucoidan is discussed.

The beneficial properties of marine polysaccharides in alleviation of allergic responses

Marine polysaccharides have been found as the principle component in cell wall structures of seaweeds or exoskeletons of crustaceans. Due to numerous pharmaceutical properties of marine polysaccharides such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antitumor, antiobesity, antidiabetes, anticoagulant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, and antihepatopathy activities, they have been applied in many fields of biomaterials, food, cosmetic, and pharmacology. Recently, several marine polysaccharides such alginate, porphyran, fucoidan, and chitin and its derivatives have been evidenced as downregulators of allergic responses due to enhancement of innate immune system, alteration of Th1/Th2 balance forward to Th1 cells, inhibition of IgE production, and suppression of mast cell degranulation. This contribution, therefore, focuses on antiallergic properties of marine polysaccharides and emphasizes their potential application as bioactive food ingredients as well as nutraceuticals for prevention of allergic disorders.

Berberine and limonin suppress IgE production by human B cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from food-allergic patients

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for IgE-mediated food allergy. Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2 (FAHF-2) and butanol-purified FAHF-2 (B-FAHF-2) have been shown to protect against peanut-induced anaphylaxis and inhibit IgE synthesis in a murine model.

OBJECTIVE

To determine which herbs and compounds in FAHF-2 and B-FAHF-2 suppress IgE production.

METHODS

The effect of FAHF-2 and B-FAHF-2 on IgE production was determined using a human B-cell line (U266). Individual compounds were isolated and identified using column chromatography, liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The potency of compounds on IgE suppression were investigated using U266 cells and verified using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (n = 25) from peanut-allergic patients. Epsilon germline transcript expression was determined. Phosphorylated IκBα level was analyzed using the In-Cell Western assay. The mRNA expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, T-box transcription factor TBX21, interferon-γ, forkhead box P3, GATA-binding protein 3, interleukin-10, and interleukin-5 also were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

FAHF-2 and B-FAHF-2 inhibited IgE production by U266 cells. B-FAHF-2 was 9 times more effective than FAHF-2. Two compounds that inhibited IgE production were isolated from Philodendron chinensis and identified as berberine and limonin. Berberine was more potent and inhibited IgE production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells by 80% at 0.62 μg/mL. Berberine significantly inhibited ε-germline transcript expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Phosphorylated IκBα level was significantly suppressed and mRNA expressions of T-box transcription factor TBX21 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 were significantly increased by berberine.

CONCLUSION

Berberine and limonin mediated IgE suppression. The mechanism by which berberine modulates ε-germline transcript expression might be through regulating the phosphorylated IκBα level and the expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 and T-box transcription factor TBX21.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00602160.

Marine-derived polysaccharides for regulation of allergic responses

Polysaccharides are macromolecules made up of many monosaccharides joined together by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides from marine sources are widely distributed as the principle component in cell wall structures of seaweeds or exoskeletons of crustaceans. So far, marine polysaccharides have been used in many fields of biomaterials, food, cosmetic, and pharmacology. Especially, numerous pharmaceutical properties of marine polysaccharides have been revealed such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antitumor, antiobesity, antidiabetes, anticoagulant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, antihepatopathy, antiuropathy, and antirenalpathy activities. Recently, several marine polysaccharides such alginate, porphyran, fucoidan, and chitin and its derivatives have been found as modulators of allergic responses due to enhancing innate immune system, altering Th1/Th2 balance, inhibiting IgE production, and suppressing mast cell degranulation. This contribution, therefore, focuses specially on the immunomodulatory effect of marine polysaccharides and emphasizes their potential application as candidates of pharmaceuticals as well as nutraceuticals to prevent allergic disorders.

Sulfated polysaccharides as bioactive agents from marine algae

Recently, much attention has been paid by consumers toward natural bioactive compounds as functional ingredients in nutraceuticals. Marine algae are considered as valuable sources of structurally diverse bioactive compounds. Marine algae are rich in sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) such as carrageenans in red algae, fucoidans in brown algae and ulvans in green algae. These SPs exhibit many health beneficial nutraceutical effects such as antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anticancer and anticoagulant activities. Therefore, marine algae derived SPs have great potential to be further developed as medicinal food products or nutraceuticals in the food industry. This contribution presents an overview of nutraceutical effects and potential health benefits of SPs derived from marine algae.

Antiallergic benefit of marine algae in medicinal foods

The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis has increased during the past two decades and contributed a great deal to morbidity and an appreciable mortality in the world. Until now, few novel efficacious drugs have been discovered to treat, control, or even cure these disorders with a low adverse-effect profile. Meanwhile, glucocorticoids are still the mainstay for the treatment of allergic disease. Therefore, it is essential to isolate novel antiallergic therapeutics from natural resources. Recently, marine algae have received much attention as they are a valuable source of chemically diverse bioactive compounds with numerous health benefit effects. This contribution focuses on antiallergic agents derived from marine algae and presents an overview of their potential application in medicinal foods for the treatment of allergic disorders.