Extracts of algae have anti-inflammatory properties.
The search for alternative therapies for controlling inflammation and associated pain has focused on extracts algae. A complex sugar, called a polysaccharide, has been identified as the molecule responsible for the alleviation of inflammation, or swelling, of tissues. Algal extract seems to have promising benefits to control inflammation caused by edema, vascular leakage and the migration of pro-inflammatory molecules to compromised tissues.
Red Marine Algae and Inflammation
Dietary lipopolysaccharides can cause cortical cells in the brain to age prematurely by inducing the release of inflammatory molecules and factors that promote cell death, or apoptosis. A May 2011 article appearing in "Phytotherapy Research" investigated the effects of a food supplement, called Auamin, which is derived from red marine algae, Lithothamnion corallioides, to reduce inflammation of glial (or nerve) cells caused by the ingestion of lipopolysaccharides. The authors stated that Aquamin is abundant in calcium, magnesium and 72 additional minerals that can reduce inflammation of glial cells in the cortical area of the brain. The research found that nutrition benefits derived from red marine algae can obstruct the harmful effects of inflammation in the brain.
Inflammation Associated with Protozoans
The May 2011 issue of "Phytotheraphy Research" also contained an article that examined the efficacy and safety of two green, three brown and six red algae species collected from Euro-Asian seas on by a number of pathogenic microorganisms. The study found that inflammation associated with the growth of a parasitic protozoan, Trypanosoma brucei, was significantly reduced with extract from Dasya pedicellata. The study further reported that one brown and two red algal species indicated anti-inflammatory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The article concluded that none of the extracts from the algae samples caused any toxicity to human cells.
Algae and Edema
A brown marine algae, Lobophora variegate, is found along the coast of Brazil. A study appearing in the Febraury 2011 issue of "Pharmacuetical Biology" evaluated the effects of a polysaccharide -- large sugar molecules -- on inflammation caused by edema, or liquid retention, in the paws of rats. The study found that the polysaccharides from L. variegate significantly inhibited inflammation due to edema and reduced symptoms in 60 to 120 minutes. The authors found that the inhibition occurred by the production of nitric oxide, which can act as a hormone in the body. The study concluded that polysaccharide extracts from L. variegate have the potential to be developed to combat inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Polysaccharides Derived from Red Algae
A study published in the August 2010 issue of "National Product Communications" documented the Solieria filiformis. The researchers chose paw edema of rats as their test model and found that the polysaccharide extract exhibited anti-inflammatory effects at a dosage of 300 ug and extended plasma coagulation, or clumping of the blood, by more than twofold. The authors concluded that the algal polysaccharide inhibited up to 69 percent of the inflammation caused by edema in the test animals.
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