Wakame
Other names for Wakame
brown kelp (undaria pinnatifida) powder
brown seaweed
brown seaweed (undaria pinnatifida) extract
fucopure
fucopure(r)
fucopure(tm)
fucorich undaria pinnatifida extract
fucox10(tm) undaria pinnatifida extract
fucoxanthin extract
maritech 926 wild-harvested patagonian wakame
maritech 926 wild-harvested patagonian wakame 100% water extraction
organic wakame
org. wakame seaweed powder
patagonian undaria pinnatifida algae extract
patagonian wakame sporophyll extract, wild-harvested
seaweed undaria
undaria pinnatifida
undaria pinnatifida extract
undaria seaweed
wakame
wakame algae
wakame algae extract
wakame brown seaweed
wakame extract
wakame, fermented
wakame fucoxanthin extract
wakame gfs extract
wakame powder
wakame, powder
wakame seaweed
wakame seaweed (undaria pinnatifida) extract
wakame (undaria pinnatifida) algae extract
Synopsis of Wakame
History
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is a nutrient-rich seaweed with a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in East Asia. For centuries, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cultures have valued wakame not only as a culinary delicacy but also as a potent healing agent. Traditionally, wakame has been used to promote general health, improve digestion, and enhance vitality. Its high mineral content—especially iodine, calcium, magnesium, and iron—has made it an important remedy for strengthening bones, supporting thyroid function, and preventing anemia.
In folk medicine, wakame was often incorporated into broths and soups to recuperate from illness, boost immune response, and restore energy. It was also used to help regulate blood pressure and maintain cardiovascular health, thanks to its rich supply of fucoxanthin, a unique carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, its mucilaginous texture was thought to soothe the digestive tract and promote gut health.
Wakame has played an integral role in herbal combinations, frequently paired with other seaweeds like kombu or nori to amplify their nutritional and therapeutic effects. In modern herbal practice, wakame is sometimes blended with adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha or ginseng to enhance resilience and stress adaptation, or combined with detoxifying botanicals like burdock or dandelion root to support liver and kidney function. Its versatility and broad spectrum of benefits have solidified wakame’s reputation as a valued ingredient in both traditional remedies and contemporary nutritional products, offering a natural, plant-based means of promoting overall wellness and longevity.
Traditional and scientific validation
Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is an edible seaweed traditionally consumed in East Asian countries, especially Japan and Korea, where it has been valued for centuries as both a culinary and medicinal ingredient. Historically, wakame has been incorporated into soups, salads, and side dishes, with ancient texts describing its use for promoting health and vitality. Its rich nutrient profile includes vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, and several B vitamins), minerals (notably iodine, calcium, and magnesium), and bioactive compounds such as fucoxanthin and sulfated polysaccharides.
Modern scientific research has begun to explore wakame’s potential health benefits. Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that compounds in wakame, particularly fucoxanthin, may support metabolic health by promoting fat oxidation and reducing cholesterol levels. A handful of small clinical studies have reported that wakame consumption may help modulate blood pressure and improve lipid profiles in humans. Additionally, its polysaccharides have been investigated for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, indicating potential support for immune function and reduction of oxidative stress.
Despite promising preliminary findings, large-scale, long-term clinical trials in humans are limited, and more rigorous research is needed to conclusively validate many of wakame’s purported health effects. Nevertheless, its established safety profile, nutrient density, and historical use support its continued inclusion in nutritional products. Overall, wakame represents a valuable ingredient with both traditional and emerging scientific support for its role in promoting general health and nutrition.
Wakame is used for these health conditions
Anemia (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Fat Metabolism (poor) (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Wakame is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Thyroid Gland (Scientific)