ABSTRACT
The safety and immune potential function of Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus mixed with mushroom extracts from <i>Grifola frondosa</i>, <i>Phellinus linteus</i> and <i>Cordyceps sinensis</i> were evaluated. Five cancer patients and five elderly people in their 70s ingested the mixed extract for a period of 4 weeks. Results showed significant LDL-C decrease and Th1/2 increase. Moreover, Quality of Life(QOL) related to facialand extremity skin, anxiety, fatigue, cold tolerance and appetite improved significantly. Finally, the clinical test supported the safety of this mixed extracts.<br>
ABSTRACT
Adlay(<i> Coix lachryma-jobi</i> L. <i>var. ma-yuen</i> Stapf ) is a grass crop that has long been used in traditional medicine as a nourishing food. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of adlay related substances on carcinogenesis and anti-inflammation. The hot water extract of all parts of adlay (CRD) were compared with the hot water extract of dehulled adlay (yokuinin). In addition, the Monoolein and Trilinolein components of adlay were compared.<br> As a screening date, antiproliferative effect of human cancer cells showed weak biological potency on physical dose response. Prevention effect of carcinogenesis and anti-inflammatory effect were also observed in all samplles. CRD showed stronger anti-UVB inflammatory effect than that of yokuinin; while yokuinin showed stronger anti-heating injury inflammatory effect than that of CRD. Moreover, Monoolein showed stronger effect than Trilinolein on both prevention effect of carcinogenesis and anti-inflammatory effect. These result indicated that these two extracts of adlay exhibited inhibitory effect on both tumor and inflammation. In addition, it is also suggested that Monoolein is more effective than Trilinolein.<br>
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective:</b> Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide in Gagome kombu (GKF) is known to exhibit immune-enhancing and anti-cancer activities. Recently, cancer patients use various dietary supplements containing fucoidan and mushroom extracts. However, there have been few reports on the safety and efficacy of fucoidan-containing supplements. In this study, we examined the safety of long-term ingestion of GKF in cancer patients.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Twenty six (26) Japanese cancer patients—16 of whom (male 6, female 10, age 62.8 ± 10.7) have completed cancer treatment and 10 (male 4, female 6, 67.0 ± 10.6) still under treatment and regularly taking anti-cancer drugs and hormone pills—were chosen to ingest GKF-containing supplements (200–300 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Before ingestion and every 4 weeks thereafter (4<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> week), blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted.<br> <b>Result:</b> There were no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious adverse effects were observed.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> These results indicate long-term ingestion of GKF is indeed, safe for cancer patients.<br>
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective:</b> Gagome kombu (<i>Kjellmaniella crassifolia</i>), an edible brown seaweed grown around the southern area of Hokkaido, is known to abundantly contain fucoidan. Previous studies show that on animals, fucoidan from Gagome kombu (GKF) exhibits immune-enhancing, anti-cancer and anti-influenza virus capabilities. In this study, we focused on the elderly and evaluated the safety and immune-efficacy of GKF.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Eighteen (18) Japanese elderly subjects were chosen to ingest the test samples (3 tablets/day containing 50 mg GKF and lactic acid bacteria) for 8 weeks. Before ingestion and every 4 weeks thereafter (4<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> week), blood chemistry analysis, hematological analysis, urinalysis and immune analysis were conducted.<br> <b>Result:</b> Test results showed no adverse clinical changes in blood and urinary analysis. In addition, no serious symptoms were observed. Moreover, GKF markedly decreased serum IgE levels.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> These results indicate that in the case of elderly, GKF is a safe functional food ingredient.<br>