Marinova Newsletter

Maritech® fucoidan combats UV damage

Marinova is continuing to build the scientific portfolio of its innovative natural skincare ingredients, Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse.

In a recent placebo-controlled clinical study conducted by a leading European dermatological research organisation, these two fucoidan extracts were shown to deliver significant protective and soothing effects on skin that had been exposed to UVA and UVB radiation. Using UV-induced redness and trans-epithelial water loss as markers for the inflammatory damage, Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse extracts were applied to 25 subjects at an inclusion rate of just 0.3%. The results were then compared to a control patch and a placebo to evaluate the effects on skin reddening.

Marinova’s two fucoidan extracts were shown to be protective when applied before UV exposure, and soothing when applied after UV exposure. The results also confirmed that these benefits are maximised when the fucoidan is applied both before and after UV exposure. Relative to placebo, the redness of skin treated with Maritech® fucoidan was reduced by 50%, whilst trans-epithelial water loss was reduced by up to 25%. The unique UV absorption profiles of Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse were also assessed to demonstrate how these extracts gave such significant clinical results.

This new clinical data confirms the protective and soothing properties of Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse at very low inclusion rates. It also consolidates earlier research undertaken by Marinova, which identified the multi-functional efficacy of these two fucoidan ingredients in a wide range of skincare formulations.

For details on Marinova’s skincare trials, or to find out more about how Maritech® Bright and Maritech® Reverse may be included in your cosmetic formulations, please contact us.

Fucoidan in the headlines

Fucoidan in the fight against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a globally significant disease and one of the most common causes of cancer death in men.

It is widely known that fucoidan inhibits cancer cells in vitro via a number of mechanisms. In a new Korean study, the anti-cancer effect of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida was assessed in vitro using human prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Fucoidan was shown to induce cell death (apoptosis) of cancerous PC-3 cells—suggesting that fucoidan could induce both ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’ apoptosis pathways.

The results of this study offer encouraging prospects for the potential of fucoidan in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Boo, H. J., J. Y. Hong, et al. (2013). "The anticancer effect of fucoidan in PC-3 prostate cancer cells." Mar. Drugs 11(8): 2982-2999.

New delivery method discovered for fucoidan

It has long been proposed that increasing the bioavailability of fucoidan is likely to enhance bioactivity. A recent Japanese study indicates that fucoidan can be incorporated into liposomes (larger structures) that increase uptake by gastric epithelial cells in vitro. 

The study showed that, when delivered orally, the special preparation was therapeutically active in an animal xenograft osteosarcoma model, and was shown to be superior to plain fucoidan.  Osteosarcoma, a type of cancer that primarily affects young people, currently has limited treatment opportunities. The authors of the new Japanese study suggest that nanoliposomal fucoidan offers potential for increased therapeutic efficacy, a discovery that offers more hope for further advances in disease treatment.

Kimura, R.,  Rokkaku, T., Takeda, S., Senba, M., Mori, N. Cytotoxic Effects of Fucoidan Nanoparticles against Osteosarcoma Mar. Drugs 2013, 11(11), 4267-4278

Inflammatory bowel diseases – a role for fucoidan?

The disturbance of immune tolerance in the intestine can result in inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic illnesses that affect thousands of people worldwide.

The inside of the bowel is lined with epithelial cells, joined together by ‘tight junctions’, which include the protein
claudin-1. Hydrogen peroxide, a highly toxic oxidising agent, is generated within intestinal epithelial cells but then is normally detoxified by antioxidant enzymes. However, if an imbalance occurs, the peroxide disrupts intestinal epithelial barrier function, leading to permeability and a down regulation of claudin-1 protein. 

Treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases typically involves drug therapy or surgery.  Now, new research has shown that fucoidan can enhance intestinal epithelial barrier function following peroxide injury by up-regulating the expression of claudin-1. This study demonstrates that fucoidan may provide effective therapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Iraha, A., H. Chinen, et al. (2013). "Fucoidan enhances intestinal barrier function by upregulating the expression of claudin-1." World J. Gastroenterol. 19(33): 5500-5507

Research update – Maritech® fucoidan and insulin mediation

Marinova’s ongoing scientific program continues to reveal exciting insights into how Maritech® fucoidan extracts can promote healthful living. A recent study demonstrated the role of Maritech® extracts in enhancing insulin activity.

The study, performed by a leading US Food and Nutrition research organisation, showed that Maritech® Synergy enhanced insulin receptor activity in human cells at very low concentrations.

Insulin receptor activity is vital for normal glucose metabolism, as it allows functioning cells to remove glucose from the bloodstream and maintain healthy blood-glucose concentrations.  Importantly, the concentration levels required for the increased activity shown in the study are within the range expected in serum following ingestion of Maritech® fucoidan (Irhimeh, Tokita).

Typically, insulin is released by the pancreas and binds to insulin receptors on the surface of cells throughout the body, triggering the absorption of glucose by those cells. However, when receptor activity is diminished, high blood-glucose levels result and this can eventually lead to Type II diabetes. Commercial treatments for this pre-diabetes stage include the synthetic anti-diabetic drugs acarbose and metformin, with metformin in particular known for its ability to increase insulin receptor activity. Both of these synthetic drugs have recognised, adverse gastrointestinal side effects. Natural food ingredients, such as Maritech® Synergy, which are capable of helping to activate insulin receptors and maintain healthy blood-glucose levels, are attracting great interest in the worldwide battle against diabetes.

For more details on Marinova’s recent insulin receptor studies, or to find out how Maritech® Synergy may be incorporated in your functional food formulation, please contact us.

Irhimeh, M.R.; Fitton, J.H.; Lowenthal, R.M.; Kongtawelert, P. A Quantitative Method to Detect Fucoidan in Human Plasma Using a Novel Antibody. Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 2005, 27(10): 705-710

Tokita, Y.; Nakajima, K.; Mochida, H.; Iha, M.; Nagamine, T. Development of a Fucoidan-Specific Antibody and Measurement of Fucoidan in Serum and Urine by Sandwich ELISA. Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2010, 74(2), 90705-1-8.

Meet our Chief Scientist

Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr Helen Fitton, initially trained in her native UK and spent the early part of her science career developing polymers for use in implantable devices. Helen’s qualifications—a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, an MSc in Bone Biochemistry, and a PhD in Applied Chemistry—and her interest in polymers with biological activity eventually led to her involvement with Marinova and the company’s work with fucoidans. Helen remains fascinated by these highly active biological polymers:

“Fucoidans are absolutely the most interesting molecules I have ever worked with.  They are naturally part of a food product and have no toxicity and yet have biological activity at a level usually seen in prescription drugs.  It goes without saying that I firmly believe we are now on the cusp of something quite revolutionary in the context of naturally-derived therapeutics.” 

As well as her role with Marinova, Helen also holds the post of Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Research Institute, and volunteers as a practical science demonstrator in schools, demonstrating ‘algal science’, microscopy and even dissection. Besides being a passionate scientist, Helen enjoys classical and jazz music, and loves exploring Tasmania’s many national parks with her family.

Getting behind the Special Olympics

Marinova has a long history of supporting social initiatives and causes, particularly within local communities. As part of this continuing commitment, we’re proud to announce our support of the Special Olympics—a sports program designed to provide inclusive and equitable sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Marinova will provide financial support to assist Tasmanian athletes competing at two major Special Olympics events—the Australian Titles and the Asia Pacific Games. This contribution from Marinova will assist athletes with the cost of air travel and land transport during the competitions.

In announcing the support, Marinova CEO, Paul Garrott, said:

“This is a most worthy cause and one which we feel deserves far greater recognition and considerably more support from the corporate sector. I strongly urge other companies to contribute to the Special Olympics and support the exceptional work that is being undertaken to enable people with a disability to achieve their personal best”.

Social responsibility is part of the Marinova culture and central to our business strategy and corporate decision-making. By funding educational programs, investing in new research partnerships and participating in initiatives like the Special Olympics, Marinova continually strives to make a positive impact in our local community and the wider community in which we operate.”

For more information about how you can support the Special Olympics please visit: http://www.specialolympics.com.au

Seaweed – traditional medicine and ancient food

There is growing awareness and interest in western medicine of the benefits of seaweed. Given the powerful therapeutic potential of marine plants, it’s unsurprising to discover that seaweed has been used as a traditional medicine by cultures across the world for centuries.

Throughout history, coastal communities have used seaweed as an abundant and easily prepared food source and traditional medicine. Archaeological evidence shows that communities in southern Chile harvested and preserved seaweed for food and medicinal purposes for over 20,000 years. Many ancient records also exist which identify seaweed as a food source throughout Europe and the Pacific.

The use of seaweed in traditional medicine is best documented in Asian cultures. According to Chinese literature, seaweed has been used for more than 20 centuries to effectively treat a range of illnesses including goitre, scrofula and dropsy.

Seaweed’s versatility is evidenced by its wide-ranging application in traditional medicine. In Japan, miso soup has been used for generations to purify blood and strengthen intestines, skin and hair. In China, brown seaweed has been used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as gastritis, since the 15th Century. Research now shows that the cultures of ancient China and Egypt were well ahead of their time in recognising the profound tumour-inhibiting qualities exhibited by seaweeds, and their effective use as a cancer treatment.

As research continues into the medicinal benefits of seaweed, our knowledge and understanding of its historical use as a traditional medicine also expands. This helps to pave the way for new discoveries of seaweed’s potential and application in modern medicinal use.

International organic accreditations for Marinova

Marinova stands alone in its ability to develop and manufacture highly characterised fucoidan compounds for specific nutritional, pharmaceutical and skincare applications. We also take enormous pride in our ability to manufacture highly efficacious fucoidans that meet the most rigorous organic standards and accreditations.

In September 2013, Marinova received two additional organic accreditations—the Organic Food Chain and the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (USDA NOP). These two certifications are further testament to the quality of our products and the sustainability of our harvesting and manufacturing processes. They represent yet another level of assurance that our fucoidan compounds, and the materials from which they are extracted, are produced through approved methods—integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.