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Therapeutic Prospects of Undaria pinnatifida Polysaccharides: Extraction, Purification, and Functional Activity

Summary

This review examines how to extract and purify beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida), a popular food in East Asia. These polysaccharides have multiple health benefits including fighting oxidative damage, boosting immune function, fighting cancer cells, and promoting healthy gut bacteria. The review details various extraction methods and discusses how these compounds could be developed into functional foods and medicines.

Background

Undaria pinnatifida is an edible brown seaweed widely consumed in East Asia, recognized for its health benefits and rich bioactive compounds. Among these compounds, polysaccharides have attracted significant attention due to their diverse biological activities and potential applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivity of U. pinnatifida polysaccharides (UPPs). The review aims to synthesize current research on isolation techniques, purification strategies, and the biological functions of these polysaccharides.

Results

UPPs primarily comprise fucoidan, alginate, and laminarin, which exhibit diverse biological activities. The review demonstrates that extraction methods significantly affect yield and structural integrity, with advanced techniques like ultrasound-assisted extraction achieving up to 33% yield. Purification methods including chromatography and membrane filtration can achieve high-purity fractions with molecular weights ranging from 2-500 kDa.

Conclusion

U. pinnatifida polysaccharides demonstrate substantial therapeutic potential through multiple mechanisms including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, prebiotic, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. The integration of advanced extraction and purification techniques, combined with machine learning approaches, promises to enhance the development and application of UPP-based functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
  • Published in:Marine Drugs,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40278284
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