In vitro and in vivo immuno-enhancing effect of fucoidan isolated from non-edible brown seaweed Sargassum thunbergii

A critical review on pharmacological properties of sulfated polysaccharides from marine macroalgae

The marine ecosystem contains an assorted range of organisms, among which macroalgae stands out marine resources as an invaluable reservoir of structurally diverse bioactive compounds. Marine macroalgae are considered as primary consumers have gained more attention for their bioactive components. Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) are complex polymers found in macroalgae that play a crucial role in their cell wall composition. This review consolidates high-tech methodologies employed in the extraction of macroalgal SPs, offering a valuable resource for researchers focuses in the pharmacological relevance of marine macromolecules. The pharmacological activities of SPs, focusing on their therapeutic action by encompassing diverse study models are summarized. Furthermore, in silico docking studies facilitates a comprehensive understanding of SPs interactions with their binding sites providing a valuable insight for future endeavors. The biological properties of algal SPs, along with a brief reference to mode of action based on different targets are presented. This review utilizes up-to-date research discoveries across various study models to elucidate the biological functions of SPs, focusing on their molecular-level mechanisms and offering insights for prospective investigations. Besides, the significance of SPs from seaweeds is highlighted, showcasing their potential beneficial applications in promoting human health. With promising biomedical prospects, this review explores the extensive uses and experimental evidence supporting the important roles of SPs in various fields.

Characterization of the Antiproliferative Activity of Sargassum muticum Low and High Molecular Weight Polysaccharide Fractions

The extract obtained by pressurized hot water extraction from Sargassum muticum, to recover the bioactive compound known as fucoidan, was fractionated using membranes of 100, 50, 30, 10, and 5 kDa, obtaining five retentates and the final permeate. These fractions were characterized for phloroglucinol content, protein content, sulfate content, and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC); apart from oligosaccharides, FTIR and molar mass distribution were also evaluated. Retentates of 100 and 50 kDa showed higher values for phloroglucinol, TEAC, and sulfate content. The rheology of the alginate fraction was also evaluated. Regarding the potential antitumoral activity, all fractions were assessed in MCF-7 cells using a metabolic activity assay based on the reduction of a tetrazolium compound, the most efficient being R100 and R50. Based on the results, these fractions were compared with commercial fucoidans at the same concentrations, and similar results were found. In addition, synergistic cytotoxic effects using two drugs commonly used in breast cancer, cis-Platinum (cis-Pt) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), were tested in combination with R100 and R50. Promising results were obtained when the retentate and the drugs were mixed, showing an improvement in the cytotoxicity induced by the chemotherapy.