as fucoids (glucans) which may stimulate immune function9. Overall, there is a large amount of scientific literature on the use of seaweeds as health food, soil fertilizers and sources of medicinal compounds9.
Seaweed in “Natural Medicine”
Several types of seaweed are used topically in facial treatments, body wraps ad baths, with claims of improvements in blood circulation, detoxification, treatment of acne and rosacea and skin moisturizing, purification, exfoliation or rejuvenating effects10. The use of marine algae in this manner constitutes one aspect of thalassotherapy (Greek: thalassa = ocean and therapeion = treat), a discipline based on the belief that “The Sea washes away all of the ills of mankind,” (Euripides, 480 BC).
Many medical or “destination” spas are using topical seaweed body therapies to promote skin beauty and health. Seaweed body treatments are believed to provide surface minerals that can diffuse into the skin; and they provide pleasurable and relaxing experiences when applied in the correct context. Cosmetic therapists believe that marine algae can enhance skin circulation, increase local metabolism in the skin and supporting structures, flush out toxins and assist in improving skin tone and smoothness, perhaps by inducing a mild dermabrasion10.
Certain seaweed applications are believed to be moisturizing and toning for the skin10. Specific applications of seaweed body treatments include attempts to detoxify the body, treat cellulite, enhance lymphatic drainage, clear limb swelling (edema) and even provide rejuvenating qualities10. Seaweed “scrubs” are excellent for skin exfoliation. The evidence-base for these beneficial effects of the topical application of seaweed remains arguable in the medical literature10.
Seaweed-based Nutraceuticals
In addition to the extensive topical use of seaweed, many types of macroalgae (kelp or seaweed) are treasured as dietary inclusions, or dietary supplements, or sources of pharmaceuticals9. Several textbooks and internet resources give extensive botanical profiles of different types of seaweed, with discussions of their nutritional or potential medicinal value9. Examples of particularly valuable types of seaweed used in oral supplements include Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), Fucose or Fucus vesiculosis (Bladderwrack), species of Laminaria, (especially Laminaria japonica), Sargassum muticum (Hondawara, Japan and Limu-Lala, Hawaii) and Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame)9.
Chondrus crispus, or Irish Moss, is an important source of mixed amino acids, magnesium and sulfur9. There is some evidence that oral intake of Irish Moss can reduce blood cholesterol levels and it may have antiviral properties9. Other proposed properties of Irish Moss include neutralization of gastric acid secretion; and it may exert a protective effect on the lining of the stomach and upper intestines9. The sulfur containing mucopolysaccharides in Irish Moss form a gel when mixed with water and they are able to retain water up to 20 times their own weight9. These gels, in sufficient dosages, may cause a sensation of stomach fullness, which is part of the simple, but valuable “feel-full, weight-loss trick.”
Fucus (Fucose) vesiculosis is a brownish green seaweed which is in common use in medicines9. It is rich in minerals, trace elements iodine and vitamin C. It has found application as a dietary source of iodine and a promoter of immune function9. Fucoxanthins are abundant in Fucose or Fucus types of seaweed4. Independent laboratory studies suggest that this antioxidant can exert significant thermogenic effects and assist directly in weight loss7,11-13. These effects have been noted to be additive with exercise7.
Several species of Laminaria are prized types of medicinal seaweed that have been used often in traditional Japanese medicine and by alternative physicians in Europe9. Laminaria seaweeds are a popular dietary inclusion in Japan and Korea. These species are rich in iodine, trace elements, polysaccharides (fucoidan) and antioxidants with the structure of fucoxanthin9.
Sargassum species have been used as stimulants for plant growth in liquid plant foods and as a traditional Chinese remedy to deal with excessive mucus production in the body9. Sargassum muticum originates most often from Japan and it can grow to a length of several meters9. This seaweed contains fucoidans and fucoxanthin-like antioxidants. It serves as an important source of alginates which have widespread use in the pharmaceutical industry9.
Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) is a large brown algae and it is related to the Laminaria types of seaweed9. In common with other types of brown algae, it contains trace elements and antioxidants, including fucoxanthin. Undaria species are rich sources of minerals and trace elements and they contain “glucans” (fucoid-like molecules) which may stimulate immunity9. This group of seaweeds is rich in calcium, niacin and vitamin C9.