Marinova has announced a clinical trial to explore the immuno-modulatory properties of its Maritech branded fucoidan.
Fucoidan is a marine polysaccharide found naturally in brown seaweed. Its bioactive properties are making it an increasingly common inclusion in dietary supplements, the company says. The immune health benefits of fucoidan have been researched and evidence reportedly supports benefits including a boosted immune response to vaccines, dendritic, killer and T cell activation, and a reduction of lung damage associated with viral infection.
The ingredient also blocks the entry of coated viruses to cells, supports mucosal immune health and dampens allergic responses, Marinova says.
The recently announced study, being done in collaboration with Nutrasource in the USA, will examine the impact of Maritech fucoidan on the immune function and inflammatory response of healthy adults. It has been designed on the back of existing evidence that suggests fucoidan acts as an immune priming agent by increasing cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, reduces the levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, and modulates the key marker immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Marinova’s CEO & Managing Director, Mr Paul Garrott, said: “High purity, certified organic fucoidan is already included in a multitude of innovative nutritional supplements targeting immune health. Marinova’s investment in this new clinical trial will deepen our understanding of the unique health benefits of Maritech fucoidan.”
Nutrasource President and CEO, William Rowe, added, “On international Clinical Trials Day, we are delighted to have been chosen by Marinova to provide clinical trial solutions relating to their product development and showcasing of fucoidan.”