Fucoidan Structure and Its Impact on Glucose Metabolism: Implications for Diabetes and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Fucoidans are complex polysaccharides derived from brown seaweeds which consist of considerable proportions of L-fucose and other monosaccharides, and sulphated ester residues. The search for novel and natural bioproduct drugs (due to toxicity issues associated with chemotherapeutics) has led to the extensive study of fucoidan due to reports of it having several bioactive characteristics. Among other fucoidan bioactivities, antidiabetic and anticancer properties have received the most research attention in the past decade. However, the elucidation of the fucoidan structure and its biological activity is still vague. In addition, research has suggested that there is a link between diabetes and cancer; however, limited data exist where dual chemotherapeutic efforts are elucidated. This review provides an overview of glucose metabolism, which is the central process involved in the progression of both diseases. We also highlight potential therapeutic targets and show the relevance of fucoidan and its derivatives as a candidate for both cancer and diabetes therapy.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides Isolated from the Edible Brown Seaweed, Sargassum fulvellum

“…Sulfated polysaccharides isolated from seaweeds have been reported to possess various bioactivities [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In particular, seaweed-derived sulfated polysaccharides possess potent immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects [ 12 , 17 ].…”

Whole Alga, Algal Extracts, and Compounds as Ingredients of Functional Foods: Composition and Action Mechanism Relationships in the Prevention and Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…In fact, fucoidan is a popular nutraceutical in Japan and other nations due to their health-enhancing potential [201]. The relevance of fucoidan in preventing diabetes in some animal studies has been highlighted [108,202]. Shan et al [203] reported the ability of F. vesiculosus fucoidan to inhibit α-glucosidase in vitro and to decrease the fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels of db/db mice.…”

A Comprehensive Analysis into the Therapeutic Application of Natural Products as SIRT6 Modulators in Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging, Cancer, Inflammation, and Diabetes

“…It has also been reported that fucoidan provides antidiabetic action by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Moreover, the antidiabetic property of fucoidan is attributed to activate the PI3K/PKB pathway, which regulates insulin production and stimulates GLUT4 translocation [91]. Implications of fucoidan have also been identified in healing inflammation via inhibition of NO production, downregulation of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1 β, TNF-α, NF-κB expression, and regulation of ERK, JNK, MAPK, and Akt pathways [88,90].…”