Marinova Newsletter

Marinova releases white paper

Marinova’s profile as the leading producer of certified organic, high purity fucoidan extracts received a further boost with the recent publication of a technical white paper.

Titled An introduction to Maritech® fucoidan extracts, this white paper was authored by Marinova’s chief scientist, Dr Helen Fitton, and is available online via the Nutra-Ingredients website.

Nutra-Ingredients publishes breaking news and research on supplements and nutrition. Its newsletter is distributed to thousands of subscribers throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.

An introduction to Maritech® fucoidan extracts explores Marinova’s safe, natural Maritech® fucoidan compounds and the wide ranging bioactivities that make them particularly beneficial in dietary supplement, skincare and pharmaceutical applications.

Read the white paper to learn more about our GRAS-designated ingredients and the science behind their potent anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their anti-aging, gut health and immune priming potential.

Fucoidan in the headlines

Fucoidan and the modulation of osteoporosis

Bone turnover is regulated by cells that break down bone (osteoclasts) and cells that build up bone (osteoblasts). This balance of maintenance and repair ensures the skeleton remains functional and strong. In osteoporosis, the balance between breakdown and building is disturbed, causing the bones to weaken. A study recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences suggested that fucoidan inhibits osteoclast development, building on previous research that revealed fucoidan enhances osteoblast function. This combined data adds to the body of evidence supporting the potential for fucoidan to modulate osteoporosis.

For further information on how fucoidan inhibits osteoclast differentiation and function click here.

Kim, Y. W., S. H. Baek, et al. (2014). "Fucoidan, a Sulfated Polysaccharide, Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Function by Modulating RANKL Signaling." Int J Mol Sci 15(10): 18840-18855.

Fucoidan - supporting better stomach health

Gastric and duodenal function can be disturbed by chronic infection from the human gut pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which can increase acid secretions and create ulcers. Unfortunately, increasing resistance to the widely used, effective triple antibiotic therapy has created a need for new approaches to infection. In recently published research, an extract of fucoidan blended with evening primrose was also demonstrated to be effective at fighting infection in vivo. This result builds on earlier studies conducted at the University of Western Australia, where it was shown that Maritech® fucoidan had a marked inhibitory effect on H. pylori.

Kim, T. S., E. K. Choi, et al. (2014). "Anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of FEMY-R7 composed of fucoidan and evening primrose extract in mice and humans." Lab Anim Res 30(3): 131-135.

A new mechanism by which Fucoidan mediates apoptosis in cancer cells

An international team of Taiwanese, Chinese and Australian researchers has added to the growing body of literature on the in vitro anti-cancer effects of fucoidan. The team’s research published in PLoS ONE, suggested that fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus induces apoptosis (cell death) by enhancing the pro apoptotic stress cascade in both breast cancer and colon cancer cells. Whilst the apoptotic effects of fucoidan are known, little is known about the effects on the cell organelle called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The group determined that fucoidan modulates ER stress cascades, which gives a greater understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism of this natural compound.

Chen, S., Y. Zhao, et al. (2014). "Fucoidan induces cancer cell apoptosis by modulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress cascades." PLoS One 9(9): e108157.

Marinova welcomes Mr Matthew Groom MP

Recognising the growing emergence of Tasmania as a leading destination for medical research and high value manufacturing, the Tasmanian Minister for State Growth, Mr Matthew Groom MP, visited Marinova in November.

Minister Groom’s visit is a reflection of the growing economic contribution that Marinova is making to the Tasmanian economy.

In addition to meeting key research staff and learning about Marinova’s extensive research program, Mr Groom received a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art laboratory and manufacturing facilities. As the Tasmanian economy transitions from its traditional reliance on resource-intensive and commodity-based industries to those founded on cutting edge technologies, Marinova is a prime example of what can be achieved with a unified and focused approach to innovation.

When considering the re-invention of the Tasmanian economy, industry leaders and economics commentators regularly cite the importance of nurturing innovation, quality and sustainability. In the new global economy, it is difficult to imagine three factors that could be more closely linked to long term economic prosperity. It is also no coincidence that an unswerving commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability has been central to the establishment of Marinova as the global leader in its field.

Seaweed: would you like plastic with that?

With increasing public concern over contaminant levels in Asian seaweed products, a new story has emerged that will send shivers down your spine.

Last month, it was reported that health officials in Thailand warned consumers to be wary of seaweed products after several outlets in Mae Hong Son, one of the Northern provinces in Thailand, were caught selling “fake” seaweed for human consumption.

According to the National News Bureau of Thailand, the “fake” seaweed product looked very much like real seaweed but analysis showed it was made out of plastic.

Consumers alerted authorities of their concerns after reporting that the product was tougher and less flavoursome than regular seaweed products. Further inspections from Thai health authorities revealed that the plastic “seaweed” had been illegally imported from China and not been certified by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration. The packages did not show the addresses of the producer or the importer.

This story is a further reminder to consumers to only source quality seaweed products that have been harvested on an environmentally sustainable basis and which can be traced back to source.

Metastasis and fucoidan

Research has shown that fucoidan directly affects cancer cells, causing apoptosis (cell death) in addition to enhancing immune reactions to cancer.

Metastasis is the mechanism that cancers use to spread around the body. In order to metastasize, cancer cells need to evade immune surveillance, survive and invade a new tissue. Earlier research has suggested that fucoidan can inhibit metastasis of solid tumours. Cancer cells may use selectins to attach to endothelial surfaces prior to invading a new tissue space. A pivotal paper by Gassmann et al demonstrated that metastasis could be inhibited in part by selectin blockade with fucoidan in animal models. 

Fucoidan also alters the interaction of stromal derived factor (SDF1) with heparan sulphate on the cell surface, potentially blocking the traffic of metastasizing cells. Furthermore, fucoidan inhibits the activity of enzymes that break down connective tissues, which is associated with metastasis.

Other mechanisms by which fucoidan can block metastasis are now being uncovered. In another recent study, researchers looked at the effect of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan on the highly metastatic mouse liver cancer (hepatocarcinoma) Hca-F cell line in vitro and in vivo.  Fucoidan inhibited tumour metastasis in vivo and cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, and adhesion capabilities in vitro.  Several markers were affected, involving inactivation of the NF-κß pathway mediated by PI3K/Akt and ERK signalling pathways.

Marinova continues to undertake research in this area. As this research progresses, we can expect more findings to support a potential role for fucoidan to be developed and applied as an anti-metastatic agent.

Gassmann P, Kang ML, Mees ST, Haier J. In vivo tumor cell adhesion in the pulmonary microvasculature is exclusively mediated by tumor cell-endothelial cell interaction. BMC Cancer. 2010 Apr 30;10:177. doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-177.
Wang P, Liu Z, Liu X, Teng H, Zhang C, Hou L, Zou X.Anti-metastasis effect of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida sporophylls in mouse hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cells. PLoS One. 2014 Aug 27;9(8):e106071.

Tasmanian Undaria - Spring Harvest 2014

As spring draws to a close, so too does the annual harvest of Undaria pinnatifida seaweed in Tasmania.

For the past two months, Marinova’s team of divers has been selectively harvesting the highest quality Undaria pinnatifida plants from pristine waters along Tasmania’s beautiful east coast.

The fucoidan-rich sporophyll (mekabu) and nutrient-packed leaf (wakame) are harvested by hand, minimising any impacts on the local ecosystem. The quality of the freshly harvested plants is verified by our experienced processing staff before the plants are dried using purpose-built air-drying racks. The dried seaweed is then made available for extraction into fucoidan at Marinova or sold to select chefs and whole-food distributors.

The sustainable harvest techniques and strict quality control regimes at Marinova give a superior quality, organic certified product that typifies Marinova's ethos: Pure Source – Pure Science.

For restaurants and providores interested in freshly dried wakame from Marinova’s most recent harvest, please contact us for further information.

Coastal Chef: a culinary celebration of seaweed

Marinova is proud to support the release of Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century edited by Claudine Tinellis. This stunning 260 page book is a visual feast showcasing the culinary talents of some of Australia’s most innovative chefs partnered with some of the world’s leading seaweed producers. This visual gastronomic journey celebrates the nutritional benefits of seaweed consumption. Included in the book are recipes incorporating seaweed extracts and organic mekabu supplied by Marinova.

Featuring inventive modern cooking techniques, the book is a must-have for foodies and lovers of clean, green sustainable food products.

Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century celebrates the practical benefits of incorporating this valuable health food into everyday meal options.  The book also offers contemporary interpretations on classic recipes and staples such as the humble loaf of bread. Recipes range from mouth-watering mains like “Seared snapper with shellfish & seaweed butter reduction” to a new spin on the classic pie “Wagyu pie with wakame and asahi.”

Coastal Chef is the brainchild of Australian marine biologist Dr Pia Winberg and features sumptuous images by acclaimed food photographer Nikki Wright. This truly remarkable release makes a wonderful Christmas gift to inspire, educate and empower both home cooks and chefs alike.

Copies may be purchased online from Harbour Publishing House.