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A new study has revealed exciting evidence of the powerful healing properties found in different varieties of brown seaweed. In an effort to find alternatives to current treatments for ulcerative colitis, researchers studied the effects of complex sulphated, fucose-rich polysaccharides derived from brown algae and confirmed the profound multi-faceted bioactivities and powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Nuri Guven, an Associate Professor at the University of Tasmania, explained the hopeful opportunities the discovery will provide in new treatment options, as well as the associated adverse side effects that may result from the current treatments available for ulcerative colitis, saying “Currently, pharmacological and surgical interventions are the two main management approaches for [Irritable Bowel Disease] IBD. Drugs such as corticosteroids, aminosalicylates and immune suppressants, which aim to decrease inflammation, show limited effectiveness for long term remission and are associated with significant side effects”.
The published research report states, “Given the need for new treatment options for IBD, we have tested two [brown seaweed] extracts — commercially available as dietary supplements — exhibit different bioactivities — are diverse and include anticoagulation, blocking of lymphocyte adhesion and invasion, inhibition of multiple enzymes, induction of apoptosis, antiviral activity and, most importantly for this study, substantial anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, current evidence that different species of seaweed and their extract can be beneficial for regulating gut health is derived from a variety of pre-clinical models and studies.”
The remarkable findings substantiate the positive effect of oral sulfated polysaccharide extract — the active component found in a variety of brown algae and seaweed species — on ulcerative colitis and bowel disorders that are often debilitating. The study showed one side-effect of colitis – unwanted weight loss – was reduced by more than 50 percent. Guven expressed excitement and surprise at the effectiveness of the amazing properties, “We observed that not only were the symptoms in these diseases significantly reduced, we also observed that a large number of biomarkers were normalized.”
Experts at MEF encourage the community to learn more about the wide variety of health support benefits of sulfated polysaccharide extract through published research and education. Read more at http://bit.ly/1Jy73Ym.
Release ID: 89999