Safety of fucoidan from Gagome kombu (Kjellmaniella crassifolia) in healthy adult volunteers / 日本補完代替医療学会誌

ABSTRACT

<b>Object</b> Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide in brown marine algae. Gagome kombu (<i>Kjellmaniella crassifolia</i>) is a Japanese edible seaweed and contains fucoidan abundantly. Recently, it was reported that fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) had anti-tumor, immune-enhancing and anti-coagulant activities. In this study, we conducted a safety of GFK on the healthy adult.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-two healthy volunteers were randomly divided into 4 groups and administered a standard volume and three times volume of two kinds of test drinks containing GKF for 4 weeks.<br> <b>Result:</b> No abnormal changes were observed after test drinks ingestion on blood chemistry, urinalysis, hematological data and blood pressure. No severe adverse events related to test drinks were observed. Moreover, increase of Th1 cells was observed in immunological analysis.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> This study suggests that GKF is safe in healthy adults.<br>