In-Depth Understanding of Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura: A Review of Its Bioactivities and Bioactive Compounds

Ecklonia stolonifera Okamura (ES) is mainly distributed in the coastal areas of the middle Pacific, around Korea and Japan, and has a long-standing edible value. It is rich in various compounds, such as polysaccharides, fatty acids, alginic acid, fucoxanthin, and phlorotannins, among which the polyphenol compound phlorotannins are the main active ingredients. Studies have shown that the extracts and active components of ES exhibit anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and other pharmacological properties in vivo and in vitro. Although ES contains a variety of bioactive compounds, it is not widely known and has not been extensively studied. Based on its potential health benefits, it is expected to play an important role in improving the nutritional value of food both economically and medically. Therefore, ES needs to be better understood and developed so that it can be utilized in the development and application of marine medicines, functional foods, bioactive substances, and in many other fields. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactivities and bioactive compounds of ES to promote in-depth research and a reference for the comprehensive utilization of ES in the future.

Edible seaweeds' phlorotannins in allergy: A natural multi-target approach

The anti-allergenicity of phlorotannin-targeted extracts from four edible seaweed species of Fucus genus was evaluated herein for the first time. Extracts were able to act upon cellular events triggered by immunological reaction (IgE/antigen), and on cellular events downstream the Ca2+ influx caused by a chemical stimulus (calcium ionophore A23187), preventing degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, a dose-dependent behaviour towards allergy-related enzymatic systems was observed for all the phlorotannin extracts. Linear correlations were found between reduction of the allergic mediators released and the total phlorotannin content, as well as between the enzyme inhibition and the amount of phlorotannins in the extracts. These results point to a multi-target anti-allergic capacity of phlorotannin-targeted extracts, which displayed effects on different critical steps of the allergic response, contributing to the valorisation of Fucus spp. both as food and for nutraceutical applications.

Recent advances in pharmacological research on Ecklonia species: a review

The genus Ecklonia (Lessoniaceae, Phaeophyceae), commonly called kelp (brown algae), is abundant on the coasts of Japan and Korea. During the past few decades, Ecklonia species have received tremendous attention for their wide range of therapeutic properties and multiple health benefits, such as great nutritional value and being rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, proteins, and polysaccharides. Several novel functional ingredients with diversified biological activities have been isolated and possess antimicrobial, antiviral, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant therapeutic properties. The present review discusses the phytochemical, pharmacological, therapeutic, nutritional, and health benefits of different species of genus Ecklonia, as well as their use in the prevention of disease and maintenance of good health.