Marinova Newsletter

Fucoidan, aging and chronic disease

In breaking research, Marinova’s Maritech® fucoidan extracts have been shown to increase production of SIRT1 - a biological marker associated with protection against aging and chronic disease.

SIRT1 is a protein that is believed to play an important role in longevity and reduction of age-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes and neurodegeneration. In the case of diabetes, for example, SIRT1 production is reduced in insulin resistant cells but is raised when these cells once again become insulin sensitive.

In a cellular assay, the anti-aging ability of Maritech® extracts was measured using SIRT1 production in human cells. In this study, Maritech® Synergy extract increased SIRT1 production by 32.4%, at a low concentration of only 4.9 micrograms/ml. Similarly, Maritech® Undaria fucoidan increased SIRT1 production by 28.8% at only 14.8 micrograms/ml. These results are particularly promising and highlight the potential for these characterised fucoidan compounds to increase the expression of SIRT1 in human metabolism.

Maritech® Synergy is a unique co-extract of fucoidan and marine polyphenols from Fucus vesiculosus seaweed. As reported last year, this novel ingredient also enhances insulin receptor activity in human cells at extremely low concentrations, correlating with this new data showing an increase in SIRT1.

Previous studies have shown that SIRT1 expression decreases with age, and that increasing SIRT1 activity may extend lifespan. There is growing  interest in finding natural, safe SIRT1 activators that may be used as dietary supplements to promote wellbeing and long life. Maritech® fucoidan extracts are ideal candidates in this regard and are perfect for companies seeking a safe, organic certified ingredient to include in nutritional formulations targeting these market segments.

Wang, Y., Y. Liang, et al. (2011). "SIRT1 and AMPK in regulating mammalian senescence: a critical review and a working model." FEBS Lett 585(7): 986-994.

Graff, J., M. Kahn, et al. (2013). "A dietary regimen of caloric restriction or pharmacological activation of SIRT1 to delay the onset of neurodegeneration." J Neurosci 33(21): 8951-8960.
 

Fucoidan in the headlines

Fucoidan activity in haemophilia

While fucoidan is known to be an anticoagulant, a new in vitro study has shown that fucoidan also acts as a pro-coagulant in the special case of haemophiliac blood. 

Haemophilia is an incurable disorder in which the blood lacks vital proteins necessary for clotting, resulting in potentially life-threatening outcomes for sufferers. 

In the search for new agents to address haemophilia, researchers in Europe have investigated a number of highly characterised fucoidan fractions developed by Marinova. This work showed that only fucoidan fractions of a very specific physico-chemical structure can help the clotting process for haemophiliac blood. These in vitro investigations constitute an exciting and important step in identifying potential new treatments for haemophilia.

Zhang, Z., S. Till, et al. (2013). "Structure-activity relationship of the pro- and anticoagulant effects of Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan." Thromb Haemost 111(3).

Can fucoidan prevent poultry viruses?

Newcastle disease is a serious, contagious viral disease affecting birds, particularly poultry, and can result in significant economic loss to breeders and growers.  Whilst vaccination remains the preferred method to prevent Newcastle disease infections, extremely virulent strains of the virus still persist in many countries.

New research has shown that fucoidan demonstrates high antiviral activity against one of the most prevalent strains of Newcastle disease, while exhibiting no toxicity. Consistent with other research in this area, these studies confirmed that fucoidan also provides excellent protection against viral penetration. The authors of this research have concluded that fucoidan is a potential low-toxicity antiviral compound that could be used in the poultry industry as a preventative measure against infection by Newcastle disease.

Elizondo-Gonzalez, R., L. E. Cruz-Suarez, et al. (2012). "In vitro characterization of the antiviral activity of fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus against Newcastle Disease Virus." Virol J 9: 307.
 

Fucoidan—protecting against pancreatitis

Fucoidan is a well-known and highly effective inhibitor of selectins - the receptors in white blood cells that enable entry into tissue spaces. Excessive numbers of these receptors are found in acute inflammatory conditions, including pancreatitis (a painful inflammation of the pancreas). Previous research into the selectin inhibitory activity of fucoidan has shown promise in reducing acute inflammation.

Unfortunately, there are few treatment options for pancreatitis. In new research, however, fucoidan was shown to significantly decrease the higher levels of enzymes found in mice exhibiting acute pancreatitis.  

Mice administered the fucoidan also had fewer detrimental changes to the structure of the diseased pancreas. Further, fucoidan was shown to inhibit neutrophil infiltration and reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This data showed that fucoidan reduced the severity of acute pancreatitis in mice, suggesting potential for a new and effective therapeutic approach for this debilitating condition.

Carvalho, A. C., R. B. Sousa, et al. (2014). "Protective effects of fucoidan, a P- and L-selectin inhibitor, in murine acute pancreatitis." Pancreas 43(1): 82-87.

Maritech® Reverse fights UV damage

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an established risk factor for skin cancer and other skin damage. In a recent in vitro study performed by a leading European laboratory, Maritech® Reverse fucoidan was shown to not only combat damage in UV-damaged skin but also promote wound healing.

In this trial, reconstructed skin was used in a specialised assay to assess gene expression following application of Maritech® Reverse to the cell layers. This skin model was then exposed to UV damage, and the expression of key genes was assessed. This study confirmed that Maritech® Reverse increases the expression of key genes responsible for combatting skin damage by up to 387%, stimulating immunity and providing protection from pathogens.

The study also showed that Maritech® Reverse promotes wound healing and repair mechanisms in skin by up-regulating key biomarkers by 226%, as well as inhibiting skin redness and inflammation by down-regulating the biomarkers responsible for skin degradation.

This data consolidates previous research conducted by Marinova, which identified the potent multi-functional efficacy of Maritech® Reverse in a wide range of skincare formulations.

For details on Marinova’s skincare trials, or to find out about the benefits of including Maritech® Reverse in your cosmetic formulations, please contact us.
 

Radiation contamination in Asian seaweeds

Marinova has an unswerving commitment to product excellence – a commitment which begins with sourcing only the highest quality seaweeds from pristine coastal waters.

As a result of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster in March 2011, many of the larger seaweed harvesting areas in East Asia have been exposed to radiation contamination. This contamination has heightened the importance of fucoidan extracts being derived from only certified organic seaweeds growing in uncontaminated waters. Recent scientific publications and subsequent media attention have revealed that residual radiation from the Japanese disaster is now being detected in marine plants growing near the west coast of the United States.

Even though Marinova does not source any seaweed from Asia or the North Pacific, we continually monitor the integrity of our seaweed inputs, adopting rigorous quality assurance programs to guarantee the purity of our fucoidan extracts. Our commitment to quality includes testing of our seaweed inputs and extracts by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to ensure no man-made radioactive materials are present.

Somewhat ironically, many seaweeds – and specifically, fucoidan extracts – have a counteractive effect against radiation damage. They are  well-known as radiation protection agents and many scientific papers have been published on the benefits of seaweed extracts in overcoming radiation sickness. It is for this reason that uncontaminated, iodine-rich seaweeds were in high demand throughout Japan immediately after the Fukushima disaster.

More information on radiation contamination in Japanese seaweeds can be found in a research paper published in December last year: Radioactive cesium accumulation in seaweeds by the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant accident – two years' monitoring at Iwaki and its vicinity.

Kawai H et al., (2014). "Radioactive cesium accumulation in seaweeds by the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power Plant accident-two years' monitoring at Iwaki and its vicinity." J Plant Res. 127(1):23-42. 

Maritech® fucoidan - boosting your immunity

The positive effects of seaweed extracts on immune health have been known and documented throughout human history, and Marinova is furthering research into the immune priming benefits of its Maritech® fucoidan extracts.

Previous studies conducted by Marinova have demonstrated that Maritech® fucoidan can boost immune function and inhibit a wide range of viruses. The ingestion of just 100mg of Maritech® fucoidan per day has been shown to increase the body’s natural defence mechanisms by enhancing both short and long term activity of key white blood cells, including cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and granulocytes. In conjunction with the fortification of specific antibody responses in the longer term, this activity balances innate and specific immunity to aid in recovery and overall wellbeing.

In addition to this evidence supporting its immune-boosting benefits, Maritech® fucoidan has demonstrated strong activity against a number of viruses, including Marinova’s patented activity against multiple strains of Influenza A (including H1N1 and H5N1), Herpes viruses (HSVI and HSVII) and Dengue fever (type 2). Together, the immune boosting and anti-viral effects of Maritech® fucoidan show great promise in aiding general wellbeing, and Marinova is now embarking on several new projects in this area.

For more information about Maritech® fucoidan, or Marinova’s research program, please contact us.
 

Healthy garden, healthy planet

Marinova is committed to best practice environmental management. We take a holistic approach that minimises the environmental impact of our entire business operations - from seaweed harvest to fucoidan extraction.

Embedded in this philosophy are the highest environmental standards - standards which Marinova also imposes upon its  seaweed suppliers. By upholding these standards, we can help to preserve the world’s valuable seaweed resources for generations to come. Our innovative manufacturing processes are similarly focussed on sustainability. To this end, Marinova is particularly pleased to announce the development of a new organic compost formulation, which will be enriched with soluble minerals and nutrient-rich seaweed residues from our fucoidan extraction process.

This new green waste compost product has been developed by our local industry collaborator, Tasmanian Horticultural and Landscape Supplies Pty Ltd, and joins the existing Seagreens® range of potting mixes and composts that utilise solid seaweed residues from our operations.

The development of this latest product means that all of Marinova’s seaweed residues are now utilised in sustainable horticultural products - minimising the environmental impact of our operations, and realising the full nutrient value of our seaweed inputs.

This development further demonstrates our continued commitment to best practice in environmental management, and gives our customers even greater confidence in the sustainability of our high quality fucoidan extracts.
 

Meet Marinova - 2014 trade show attendances

Marinova’s Business Development Manager, Kevin Krail, will be attending a number of trade shows throughout 2014. Kevin is looking forward to the opportunity to meet with our customers, collaborators and potential customers at the following trade shows:

• Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) and Engredea exhibition in Anaheim, California, USA, 6th-9th March, 2014
• Vitafoods Europe exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, 6th-8th May, 2014
• Food Ingredients Asia-China (Fi Asia) exhibition in Shanghai, China, 26th-28th June, 2014
• Supply Side West USA (SSW) exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 8th-10th October, 2014

Please contact Kevin If you would like to meet with him at any of these trade shows.