Is the transformation of fucoidans in human body possible?

Fucoidans are a group of homo-and hetero-polysaccharides, which necessarily contains residues of sulfated α-L-fucose. Fucoidans are found only in brown algae. These polysaccharides exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity and have a great therapeutic potential. Enzymes capable of catalyzing the degradation of fucoidans are absent in the mammalian enzyme system. The question arises: is the transformation of fucoidan in mammals, particularly in human possible? Studies in vivo (in situ) and in vitro have demonstrated that high molecular weight fucoidans are absorbed across rat intestinal epithelial cells, accumulated by liver macrophages, and characterized by low levels in blood and urine. Using the example of the Okinawa Prefecture (Japan) residents, it was shown that Cladosiphon okamuranus alga is digested and the fucoidan contained in this alga is absorbed in the human body.

[Antiviral action and pathogenetic targets for seaweed sulfated polysaccharides in herpesvirus infections]. / Antivirusnoe deistvie i patogeneticheskie misheni sul'fatirovannykh polisakharidov morskikh vodoroslei pri gerpesvirusnykh infektsiiakh.

The review summarizes results of studies of effects of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed on herpesviruses and the course of herpesvirus infections. Importance of this problem is determined by the prevalence of herpesviruses that can persist in the human body and demonstrate a high degree of immune mimicry and resistance to antiviral agents. A wide range of physiological action of sulfated polysaccharides, receptor agonists of innate and adaptive immune cells, which possess potent antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, open the possibility of their use for creation of new generation pharmacological substances and agents with associated activity for the treatment of herpesvirus infections.