Fucoidans are a group of sulphated polyfucose polysaccharides which may be extracted from Fucus spp. (Kelp). They have been shown to modulate the effects of a variety of growth factors through mechanisms thought to be similar to the action of heparin. Fucoidans are reported to possess properties including antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-adhesive, and anti-viral effects. Many of these effects are thought to be due to their interactions with growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Fucoidans may be able to modulate growth factor-dependent pathways in the cell biology of tissue repair.
Cutaneous wound repair is a complex process which has evolved to achieve rapid restoration of skin integrity and protective function after injury.
Preparations of fucoidan, as well as heparin, inhibited fibroblast proliferation at concentrations from 0.01 to 100 mg/ml.
The data from this in-vitro study suggest that fucoidan has properties which may be beneficial in the treatment of wound healing.
Reference: O’Leary R et al. Fucoidan modulates the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 on fibroblast proliferation and wound repopulation in in vitro models of dermal wound repair. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):266-70.