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Fucoidan for prostate health

Marinova is pleased to announce it is investigating the potential of its high purity seaweed extracts to support prostate health.

Global demand for fucoidan – a bioactive compound found naturally in brown seaweeds – is rapidly increasing. High purity fucoidan is prized for its range of beneficial health properties, and is widely utilised in innovative nutritional formulations, particularly those targeting immune support, gut and digestive health, and healthy ageing.

The company’s Scientific Affairs Director, Dr Corinna Dwan, explained Marinova’s research interest in prostate health. “Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is a significant health issue for men across the globe. The condition becomes increasingly prevalent with age, and while it is typically non-life threatening, it can cause bothersome symptoms including difficulty passing urine and an increase in the frequency of urination. BPH may also lead to bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.”

A recently published study, utilising high purity fucoidan manufactured by Marinova, has demonstrated encouraging results. “The 28-day study found that Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan significantly reduced testosterone-induced BPH symptoms in rats,” explained Dr Dwan. “Significant reductions in prostate weight, prostate index, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and prostate specific antigen levels were observed in rats supplemented with fucoidan, compared to the BPH control group. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic potential of fucoidan observed in this study may help to explain how fucoidan acts to ameliorate the effects of BPH,” said Dr Dwan.

“Marinova is continuing its investigation into the potential of fucoidan to support prostate health and looks forward to sharing further details in due course,” finished Dr Dwan. “As the search for natural, non-toxic and bioactive compounds to support men’s health intensifies, further results will inevitably be of interest to the global research community.”

The full paper, ‘Fucoidan Ameliorates Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Rats’ was published in the journal Research and Reports in Urology.

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