Evidence supporting the use of: Fucoidan
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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Synopsis

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

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in various species of brown seaweed, and it has attracted attention for its possible antiviral properties. Several in vitro (lab-based) and animal studies have shown that fucoidan can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including influenza A, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The proposed mechanisms include blocking viral entry into host cells, inhibiting viral replication, and modulating the host immune response. For example, a 2012 study in Antiviral Research demonstrated that fucoidan could prevent the entry of influenza viruses into cultured cells. Other studies have found similar effects against HSV and some coronaviruses.

However, the evidence in humans is limited. Most clinical research is preliminary, small-scale, or open-label, focusing primarily on immune modulation rather than direct antiviral efficacy. There are few robust, placebo-controlled human trials evaluating fucoidan’s effectiveness in treating or preventing viral infections. As a result, while there is a scientific rationale and early experimental support for using fucoidan against viral infections, the clinical evidence is not strong or conclusive. More high-quality human studies are needed to determine its true efficacy and safety for this purpose.

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