Fucoidan Helps to Reduce Inflammation Caused by Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, can be almost unbearable to live with. People suffering from this condition often have to deal with symptoms like rectal bleeding and blood in the stool, bloating, diarrhea, and gas. For anyone dealing with this disease, an effective treatment is crucial. The only way to achieve consistent relief from moderate to severe symptoms caused by colitis is to steadily take a prescribed steroid to relieve the irritation and inflammation. In light of fucoidan’s strong anti-inflammatory abilities, it seems that a natural remedy for colitis is on the forefront.

Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fucoidan as a treatment for colitis. The data appears to be consistent across the board, with results showing that fucoidan helps to reduce inflammation caused by colitis in the bowel. One study showed that fucoidan to have the ability to reduce the levels of TNF-alpha which, in turn, suppressed IL-8 gene expression. This means that fucoidan was able to significantly decrease the levels of specific hormones that are responsible for inflammation associated with colitis.

From the Experts:

“Fucoidan improves murine chronic colitis by down-regulating the synthesis of IL-6 in the colonic epithelial cells.” [1]

“Fucoidan suppressed IL-8 gene expression through a reduction in TNF-alpha production from RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide.” [2]

“…Fucoidan treatment markedly reduced the colonic MPO activity in mice exposed to DSS.” [3]

Research:

[1]
Matsumoto S, Nagaoka M, Hara T, Kimura-Takagi I, Mistuyama K, Ueyama S. Fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus Tokida ameliorates murine chronic colitis through the down-regulation of interleukin-6 production on colonic epithelial cells. (2004, June 13) Read More

[2]
Tanoue T, Nishitani Y, Kanazawa K, Hashimoto T, Mizuno M. In vitro model to estimate gut inflammation using co-cultured Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells. (2008, September 26) Read More

[3]
Zhang XW, Liu Q, Thorlacius H. Inhibition of selectin function and leukocyte rolling protects against dextran sodium sulfate-induced murine colitis. (2001, March)Read More