Fucoidans stimulate immune reaction and suppress cancer growth

Abstract

Background/Aim: Fucoidans are gaining popularity as natural immunomodulators. The aim of this study was to compare the immunological activities or both purified samples and commercially available mixtures containing fucoidan. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the effects of various samples on phagocytosis, mitogenic response, natural killer (NK) activity, antibody formation and inhibition of breast cancer growth. Results: We found significant immunostimulating activity, but the strength of these effects was different among individual samples. Conclusion: Fucoidans have strong immunostimulating potential, including inhibition of cancer, with isolated samples offering better activity than commercial mixtures.