Evidence supporting the use of: Fucoidan
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
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.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAjoene
alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
xylitol
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
swertia
pau d'arco
yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Agave
Anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
Galangin
Gallesia
Golden Shower Tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java Brucea
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen
Lapachol
Liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
Polysaccharides
Phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
Ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Fucoidan
ArthritisAutoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colitis
Diabetes
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Liver Detoxification