Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

There is emerging scientific evidence supporting the use of seaweed and its extracts for liver health and, potentially, for supporting the management of hepatitis, though the evidence is still preliminary and not definitive. Seaweed, particularly species like Laminaria, Undaria, and Ecklonia, contains bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, phlorotannins, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. In vitro and animal studies have shown that these compounds can exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even antiviral effects, which might be beneficial in the context of hepatitis—a disease characterized by liver inflammation, often due to viral infection.

For example, fucoidan from brown seaweed has demonstrated inhibitory activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in laboratory settings. Several studies have shown that seaweed extracts can reduce liver enzyme markers of injury and reduce oxidative stress in animal models of hepatitis. Additionally, some small clinical studies and traditional medicine practices (especially in East Asia) have advocated for seaweed's hepatoprotective effects.

However, there is currently a lack of large, high-quality human clinical trials directly evaluating seaweed as a treatment for hepatitis. Most of the available evidence is preclinical, and while promising, it does not yet justify seaweed as a standalone or primary therapy for hepatitis. Therefore, while the use is scientifically motivated and partially validated, the overall strength of the evidence is low to moderate at this stage (rated 2/5).

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