Dr Helen Fitton_Marinova Chief Scientist
Hobart, Australia: Breakthrough research confirms two unique compounds extracted from seaweed have significant cancer inhibiting properties.
A series of animal studies undertaken at the prestigious McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston (UTHealth) have shown that the two seaweed extracts – known as fucoidans – reduced tumour growth in select cancers and significantly improved the effectiveness of the common chemotherapy drug tamoxifen.
The breakthrough demonstrates the potential for fucoidan to be safely used as a complementary cancer therapy alongside traditional chemotherapy.
The extracts, developed and manufactured by Australian biotechnology company Marinova, were tested in human cancer mouse models, including cervical, breast and ovarian cancer.
Ingestion of the fucoidan extracts decreased the growth of a human ovarian cancer tumour line by up to 33% and a human cervical cancer tumour line by up to 70%.
Researchers found that fucoidan considerably improved the efficacy of the chemotherapy drug tamoxifen towards breast cancer. Fucoidan decreased breast cancer tumour growth in this animal model by up to an additional 26% when taken alongside tamoxifen.
Laboratory studies showed that the two seaweed extracts did not interfere with key metabolic pathways necessary for chemotherapy function and directly inhibited a number of human cancer cell lines.
Strong synergistic activity between fucoidan and the chemotherapy drugs paclitaxel and tamoxifen was observed, as well as additive activity with topotecan.
Associate Professor Dr. Judith A. Smith, Director of the Women’s Health Integrative Medicine Research Program in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth, led the research project and commented on the findings:
“This was the first research program to comprehensively assess the metabolism of fucoidan compounds for possible chemotherapy drug interactions.
“A pharmacokinetic study is now underway at UTHealth to further assess safety and observe quality of life parameters in human cancer patients.”
A further study in the research program found that both seaweed extracts enhanced the immune function of cancer-affected mice. Immune markers immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly modulated, with a 500% increase in IgG levels after 1 week.
IgG is the main type of antibody found in humans. It helps control infections by binding to
bacteria and viruses and alerting circulating immune cells. IgG levels are often suppressed in
cancer patients making them vulnerable to a wide range of infections.
Dr Helen Fitton, Chief Scientist at Marinova, highlighted the importance of these findings:
“These results show the potential for fucoidan to help restore functional immunity in cancer
patients. To have identified a safe, natural compound that has such a significant effect on
immunity in an oncology setting is really quite remarkable.”
Both studies have been published in the journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies:
“Evaluation Fucoidan Extracts From Undaria pinnatifida and Fucus vesiculosus in Combination
With Anticancer Drugs in Human Cancer Orthotopic Mouse Models”
“Pre-clinical evaluation of safety of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida and Fucus vesiculosus
for use by oncology patients”
About Marinova Pty Ltd | www.marinova.com.au
Marinova is an Australian biotechnology company dedicated to the development of high
purity seaweed extracts for the betterment of human health. The company specialises in the
research, development and manufacture of fucoidan compounds for use in nutritional,
pharmaceutical and dermatological applications.
Marinova is recognised globally for its commitment to innovation and the exceptional quality
of its Maritech® fucoidan extracts. The company is a GMP, ISO9001 and HACCP accredited
manufacturer and the only producer of certified-organic fucoidan. As the world’s leading
fucoidan supplier to research institutions and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies,
Marinova exports its fucoidan extracts to more than 25 countries across the globe.
Claire Smoorenburg, Marketing & Communications Officer
