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.
Fucoxanthins
Fucoxanthins “crop up” in the scientific literature in several contexts9. These compounds are strong antioxidants, related to well known nutraceuticals such as canthaxanthins, astaxanthins, lycopene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin9. The potent and versatile antioxidant actions of carotenoids are implicated in cancer protection, immune function and anti-aging9. The anti-aging benefits of seaweed have been “touted” for years9.
Japanese researchers have shown that the fucoxanthin components of Undaria (Wakame) may cause up to a 10% weight loss in experimental animals by direct effects on shrinking abdominal fat stores11-13. Fucoxanthin appears to stimulate proteins (Uncoupling protein-1) that cause the oxidation of fat and its conversion to energy or heat (thermogenesis)13. Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) appears to be present in white adipose tissue (belly fat) and it acts on mitochondria in a direct manner that promotes the oxidation of free fatty acids thereby reducing fat tissue stores13. The preponderance of white fat in abdominal fat stores leads to the inference that this upregulating activity of UCP-1 may be valuable in reducing the size of a “pot belly.”11-13 Pot bellies are a hallmark physical sign of insulin resistance and Syndrome X.
Uncoupling protein-1 is expressed in brown adipose tissue and it plays a major role in whole body, energy expenditure. Dysfunction of this regulatory mechanism promotes obesity. Fucoxanthin exerts its effects through protein gene expression in UCP-1 in white adipose tissue, but not brown adipose tissue (Table 2). Animal experiments show that feeding concentrates of fucoxanthin results in significant weight reduction in rodents11-13.
When rodents are fed fucoxanthin, the expression of messenger RNA that controls UCP-1 was found to be amplified in amount in white adipose tissue, but much lower expression of this mRNA is found in mice who did not receive fucoxanthin11-13. Fucoxanthin has been found to reduce blood glucose in animals with diabetes and in normal mice that are fed high fat diets (Table 2). It appears that fucoxanthin is capable of upregulating glucose transporter 4 mRNA expression of L-6 myotubes11-13 which are responsible for glucose transport in adult muscle tissue (Table 2).
An interesting, extra, metabolic benefit of fucoxanthin administration in rodents is the promotion of the synthesis of docosahexanoic acid (DHA) in the liver11-13. The versatile effects of fucoxanthin on intermediary metabolism make this carotenoid of great potential value in the prevention or management of metabolic syndrome X (Table 2).
Table 2. Fucoxanthin is absorbed and converted into fucoxanthinol which is further metabolized to amarouciaxanthin A and fucoxanthinol. The end results are antioxidant effects, increased synthesis of DHA in the liver, UCP-1 upregulation in white adipose tissue and glucose regulating effects in muscle tissue. These combined metabolic effects of fucoxanthin have implications for the management of Syndrome X; and it appears that anti-inflammatory actions are present, as a predictable consequence of powerful antioxidant effects which have value in “obesitis” (see text).
The animal experiments with fucoxanthin stimulated researchers to recommend human clinical trials with fucoxanthin. Studies, in Russia and the US (not fully reported in the literature), seem to show notable thermogenic effects of seaweed antioxidants (fucoxanthin) in humans14. In placebo controlled trials, a supplement containing a 5% fucoxanthin concentrate (daily dosage 10mg), combined with calorie restriction to 1800 calories per day, showed that an average of 14.5 lbs were lost over a sixteen week period. In the placebo group in this study, individuals lost an average of 3 lbs in body weight (almost a fivefold difference)14.
In a second clinical experience, using the same supplement formulation, increases in measurements of metabolic rate were recorded, without evidence of significant central nervous system stimulation (average 18% increase in metabolic rate)14. In open-label, observations of a different fucoxanthin (10% extract) containing formula, enhanced with green tea and chromium, similar weight loss results were obtained15. These weight loss outcomes15 were similar to those experienced with the previously mentioned formulation14.
While certain dietary supplement companies claim this work to be exclusively undertaken by Dr. Zakir Ramazanov, the primary researchers in the Russian studies are Dr. Sergey Grachev and Dr. Musa Abidov of the First Medical Academy and Institute of Immunopathology of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences14.