sparkle7
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I've been looking into this for the past few days. There are some pretty amazing properties in seaweed.
There are many varieties & they are the herbal medicine of the sea...
I started looking into a product called Modifilan but you have to be careful since it grows near Fukishima. So, I started looking into alternatives & found there's alot of info about the various forms of seaweed. They are different & good for all kinds of things.
When I get a chance, I'll post some info here. Please share your experience if you have tried any of these products.
They can be used internally or as baths. There are many Eastern & Western traditional uses for seaweed as a food & as medicine. I think they are basically broken up into 3 colors - green, red or brown & catagorized that way for medicinal purposes.
I'm going to continue to study this & post references here. They are really useful for a number of things from anti-coagulants, anti-cancer, anti-viral, antioxidants & as binders to draw out heavy metals & to supplying minerals/iodine.
We just need to check the sources to make sure they are free from contamination.
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sparkle7
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Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide found in the cell walls of many species of Brown seaweed. In vitro studies show that fucoidan has antitumor, antiangiogenic (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7), antiviral (15) (16), and immunomodulatory (17) effects.
These effects are brought about by stimulating natural killer cells and by down regulating AP-I involved in cellular proliferation. Fucoidan also exhibited neuroprotective (11) (12), radioprotective (13), and antiulcer (14) properties but human data are lacking.
In other studies, fucoidan demonstrated anticoagulant (8) (9) and antithrombotic (10) activities, and can have additive effects when taken with anticoagulants.
The quality varies from species to species. Russian researchers studied the anticoagulant activity of polysaccharide fucoidans from 11 species of brown algae. They found the anticoagulant activity varied significantly from one species to the other. Fucoidans from Laminaria saccharina and Fucus distichus showed high anticoagulant activities, while fucoidans from Cladosiphon okamuranus and Analipus japonicus were almost inactive. [9
Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, displays a wide variety of internal biological activities; however, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fucoidan�s anti-inflammatory activity remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of fucoidan on production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)�induced pro-inflammatory mediators in BV2 microglia.
Our data indicated that fucoidan treatment significantly inhibited excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia.
It also attenuated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Moreover, fucoidan exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and down-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and AKT pathways.
These finding suggest that fucoidan may offer substantial therapeutic potential for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are accompanied by microglial activation.
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There are over 1000 studies on PubMed about fucoidan. One I saw said it was helpful for depression. Ecklonia cava is anther brown seaweed that has medicinal properties. I think that some of the medicinal properties can vary from the source of the fucoidans - so you have to check carefully what plant is actually used in any supplement you might consider.
An extensive battery of scientific tests (in-vitro, in-vivo animal model tests, and human clinical studies) supports the PC- ECE polyphenol/phlorotannin platform. Specifically, PC- ECE has been proven to provide:
a) Strong anti-oxidant scavenging of lipids, calcium and cholesterol as well as �free radicals� from the cardiovascular system (thereby lowering risk of stroke and cardiovascular events, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing vasculitis based neuropathy);
b) Strong anti-plasmin inhibition effect (i.e., thins the blood and homogenizes blood flows, thereby lowering blood pressure);
c) Strong elastase agonist effect (thereby increasing the flexibility of the vascular system and helping to normalize blood flows and blood pressure);
d) Significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of the NF-kB inflammatory pathway which also serves to normalize blood glucose levels;
e) Significant analgesic effects by inhibiting the expression of the COX enzymes for arthritis (comparable to the COX-inhibitors), as well as for neuropathic and FMS/CFS pain;
f) Down-regulation (by 60%) of the DGAT enzyme responsible for lipid (fat) metabolism (thereby assisting in weight management);
g) Significant increase in trans-cranial blood flow along with significant increases in alpha brain waves and parasympathetic nerve response (thereby increasing alertness and focus for mental activity;
h) 40% Inhibition of beta-amyloid brain plaque formation in mammals, combined with a 40% increase in acetylcholine and a 60%-80% reduction in AchE, thereby improving memory as well as memory disorders;
i) Anti-tumor effects (currently tested only for dermatologic cancers); j) Improved production of HGH, GABA, noripenepherine and serotonin levels (as studied in mice, and anecdotally validated with various FMS patients).
The efficacy of PC- ECE is further reinforced by virtue of the fact that these sea-based polyphenol/phlorotannin extracts include peak fractions as �hydrophobic� (i.e., water- insoluble) compounds.
Unlike virtually all of the land-based polyphenols (including catechins from green tea, resveratrol, ECGC, and tocopheral) that are hydrophilic (water- soluble), PC- ECE�s hydrophobic chemistry allows the polyphenols to pass through the blood-brain barrier.
This serves as a positive attribute for improving mental acuity and memory, as confirmed by extensive NIH/NIA animal model tests on PC- ECE�s phlorotannins for memory improvement in models mimicking Alzheimer�s disease.
In addition, the hydrophobic content in PC- ECE allows the polyphenols to remain in the mammalian metabolism up to 12 hours (unlike the 30-minute half-life of the hydrophilic, or water-soluble land-based polyphenol sources). Lastly, PC- ECE�s ORAC scores for anti-oxidation potential (8,300) are significantly higher than most known land-based polyphenols.
Depending upon the medical application examined, PC- ECE�s potency in-vivo tends to be from 100X-1000X more than a similar quantity of land-based polyphenols, resulting both from its higher anti-oxidant potential as well as its 24X improved half-life. PC- ECE is currently protected by 4 patent applications, with additional patent applications expected over 2007.
Pilot human clinical trials (double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase I) on PC- ECE capsule products have established a high degree of safety and efficacy in the following medical indications:
a) Hypertensive cardiovascular patients (reduction of blood pressure)
b) Analgesia in osteoarthritic patients (comparable to the COX-2 inhibitors)
c) Weight loss in both obese and normal patients
d) Erectile dysfunction amongst males with ED (comparable to Viagra, used as a positive control);
f) Major multi-symptom management (i.e., reduction in pain [-31%], fatigue [-56%], sleep disorders [-62%]) for fibromyalgia patients.
A recently completed double blind, placebo-controlled three-month clinical study for weight loss with clinically obese patients using a PC- ECE-based beverage evidenced an average 2.4kg weight loss, with a 15% reduction in visceral fat (confirmed through CAT- scans), as compared with placebo.
New placebo-controlled, double blind formal clinical studies (N=400+) are nearing completion in Hong Kong with type 2 diabetes patients (i.e., normalization of blood glucose levels for more than 80% of the diabetic population).
Prior open-label studies on confirmed AD patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer�s (N=150) have indicated the ability to allow up to 60% of such patients to reassume unassisted living following 3 months of daily PC- ECE dosing, due to dramatic improvements in memory and the ability to maintain life functions. AD remains a key target area for formal clinical development with PC- ECE in 2007.
Development of a PC- ECE -based �anti-aging� formulation for introduction in late- 2007 is being explored. One potential formulation may combine PC- ECE with various HGH-promoters.
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Razzle
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Might look at Wachter's Organic Sea Products. I used to take their products before my sulfite sensitivity got too bad, and really responded well to them.
All of their products use a blend of sea vegetation as the base, instead of the usual garbage fillers most companies use.
The founder of the company had TB and was given 6 months to live. So he traveled out West and lived with some native peoples. They fed him their traditional diet, and treated his health with sea vegetation.
In 4 months, his TB was gone and he decided he had to share this great discovery with others. So he went back to his home and created Wachter's Organic Sea Products.
I don't have a personal financial interest in this company, just used their products for a number of years before my sensitivity level became too severe.
I wish I could still take their products because I felt better then - I think my body responded well to the way they created their supplements.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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I buy seaweed at Whole Foods, tear off a piece, and steep it in hot water. Then sip on it like tea.
This was recommended to me by my friend that is a nutritionalist. So many health benefits.
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Keebler
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- Be careful with the "dose" as seaweeds contain natural glutamate (very much like MSG) and that can be rather excitory to anyone's nervous system and moreso to those with lyme.
Years ago, I decided to make my own veggie and black rice "sushi" & I would make a roll and eat about a half sheet of Nori in a day or two. Delicious idea but that was a huge mistake but it took a very long time to learn why every time I did this my body was fueled for takeoff.
Same with putting generous amounts of seaweed strands into my miso soup. It was all supposed to be good for me but my body had different ideas and put me on red alert. Because, as I later learned . . .
Anyone with seizures should be very careful due to the neuro stimulating effects. Same for those with anxiety issues, agitation, or insomnia (no later than lunch time).
This is more for full servings of seaweed or a capsule of it as a supplement.
For just shaking a few flakes on your food as a salty condiment, just start with one slight shake and see how that goes for a few days before increasing.
Some doctors suggest that anyone with seizures totally avoid (or precisely limit) seaweed - as well as other foods containing Glutamine / Glutamic Acid.
If too much is accidently consumed, MAGNESIUM should help balance that out. But, for those with seizures, that can be too late.
[ 12-22-2012, 04:23 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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NanaDubo
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I was under the impression that the seaweed used in Modifilan was no longer being harvested near Japan.
Anyway, I took 6 Modifilan every morning for close to a year quite some time ago. I was great for binding heavy metals.
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sparkle7
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Thnaks Keebler. It's always good to know any possible side effects. It's my impression that each plant is different & has different properties.
Nana - I'm a little concerned about the Modifilan. Some of the old seaweed that was harvested could be contaminated. It can be stored for a long time since it's dried. How do we know when the cutoff date was? I believe that if it's planted elsewhere, it can take a couple of years before it's ready to hatvest.
I have the same concerns for Ecklonia Cava. I've been looking into all of this & I'll post more later.
Thanks Razzle.
I love seaweed as a food but after Fukishima, I haven't been eating it as much. I'm looking for alternative locations & varieties.
Alot of companies are saying that their product is free of radiation but we just don't know unless we have a geiger counter. I heard someone on the radio say that they measured some green tea that they bought in Nevada & it was showing that it was contaminated through geiger counter readings...
There are some companies growing seaweed in the Atlantic or off the coast of Peru. I'll post more later.
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GiGi
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Razzle
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posted
I know someone who had good benefits to their thyroid using sea vegetation based supplements.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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sparkle7
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GiGi - re: Do not use a kelp or seaweed product because the form of iodine is unknown...
Is this what you are referencing?
The info I posted about Ecklonia Cava is from Dr. K... Seems seaweed has other attributes than just iodine. I suppose there are pros & cons for everything. We each have to see what we need on a day to day basis, I suppose...(?)
I will post more about the seaweeds. I'm not finished. It's a huge topic. I was mainly interested in algin & citrus pectin to absorb metals but there's really alot more to the subject.
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sparkle7
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Algin has great therapeutic value as a heavy metal detoxifying agent.. When added to the diet as a component of edible brown seaweed, algin powder, or sodium alginate, it can bind heavy metals present in the food stream and carry them out with the stool, since algin is generally not digestible(Schecter.1997).
Excretory algin tends to bind metal ions presented in the small intestine from distal body locations. A complex diffusion gradient transport system will move poisonous metal atoms a few at a time to the intestine for probable binding to insoluble dietary fiber.
Apparently this is a way of removing hazardous metals in a way which avoids damaging the kidneys. Regular eating of even small amounts of brown algae can be an ongoing metal detoxification practice which can reduce the quenching of enzymes by heavy metals.
Hair analysis can be a better predictor of excess metal poisoning than blood or urine analysis because the body seems to use the sulfhydral groups in hair proteins as an excretory mechanism which also protects the kidneys. If a patient presents with relatively high levels of toxic metals in hair, blood, or urine, the addition of 3-5 grams brown seaweed to the daily diet will help remove those metals from the body, but not the hair, of course.
Using brown algae as part of an aggressive metal removal treatment plan is recommended for both acute and chronic exposures and actual poisoning. Reducing further exposure to heavy metals is of course essential for a metal removal plan to succeed. I usually recommend a lot of rolled oats in the diet ( every morning) to aid the seaweeds in metal removal.
For some persons, adding the seaweed to the oatmeal seems to hasten metal removal. This combination will tend to bulk the stool and reduce transit time. I also encourage at least 2L of water (just water, not drinks) intake daily; as well as frequent hot baths and saunas with vigorous dry skin brushing before and after each bath or sauna.
Chronic Passive Metal Poisoning
Industrial activities, mining, and nuclear power activities release relatively large amounts of usually unseen toxic metals into our air, water, and unfortunately onto our food crops. We are all being continually poisoned.
From nuclear facilities (radioactive medical wastes are increasingly a source of radioactive metal poisoning) we are exposed to radioactive isotopes released into the air by way of gaseous emissions and radioactive substances released into cooling water.
Since most of these exposures are probably going to continue for the foreseeable future, we are advised to do what we can to reduce their negative health effects. The best action may be to eat a diet that is continually detoxifying our bodies. Regular seaweed consumption should be a part of that diet.
I predict that age-related dementia and perhaps Alzheimer�s can be prevented or suppressed by regular consumption of algin-rich brown seaweeds, to slow the bioaccumulation of neurotoxic metals. The kelps and popular dietary brown seaweeds can do this.
Some of the salts of alginic acid present in aqueous solutions in ingested brown algae, such as potassium and sodium alginates, are digestible by intestinal flora. The metals they contain are released into the food stream and tend to be bound up by the undigested algal fibers.
FUCOIDAN
Fucoidan can be easily cooked out of most edible brown algae by simmering 20-40 minutes in water (alone or in food). When consumed, it seems to reduce the intensity of the inflammatory response and promote more rapid tissue healing after wound trauma and surgical trauma.
This means that brown seaweed broth is recommended after auto collision , sports injuries, bruising falls, muscle and joint damage, and deep tissue cuts, including voluntary surgery.
Surgery
I recommend patients anticipating surgery eat 3-5 grams brown seaweed cooked as a vegetable broth daily for a week or two prior to surgery. Fucoidan in the pre-surgical patient diet seems to reduce the intensity of blood loss and vascular bed collapse shock during and after surgery. The mechanism for this positive effect is unclear.
We can all statistically expect major surgery sometime in our individual lives. We are the only animal that voluntarily submits to surgery. I believe this may cause some body integrity sanctity problems internally which may negatively effect the wound response and subsequent healing. Fucoidan may help the body decide to heal after voluntary surgery and other wounding such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy seem to benefit from regular fucoidan consumption via brown seaweed broth before, during, and after treatments. They report fewer and less intense adverse reactions, better recovery and sense of well-being.
Antiviral Action
Fucoidan interferes with every stage of viral attack, cell attachment, cell penetration, and intracellular virion production by stimulating the production of antiviral cytokines. There may be some viral suppression in virus-infested patients but results are difficult to verify or measure. Research continues into using fucoidan or its derivatives to combat common viral infestations: HIV, HPV, and Herpes.
A fucoidan curiosity is that its teminal sugar is Fucose. All human cells studied have very precise Fucose recepter sites on their surfaces. Perhaps this results in stronger therapeutic responses.
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BROWN SEAWEED- ENHANCED EXCRETION OF DIOXINS AND PCBS
Very exciting and encouraging research by Morita and Nakano (2) using seaweeds for Dioxin and PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) excretion demonstrates clearly that the brown seaweeds Hiziki, Wakame, and Kombu speed body clearing of dioxins and PCBs.
Dioxins and PCBs are extremely toxic. They are lipophilic and are not water-soluble; they are readily absorbed from the digestive tract and stored in adipose tissue and the liver in abundance. Once stored, their eventual excretion tends to be very slow. Studies on Vietnam veterans and herbicide-spraying personnel showed dioxin body half-lives of 11.3-19.6 years.
In the excretory process, dioxins are shed from the GI walls into the food stream and expelled via the feces; but, only if they are not reabsorbed from the colon prior to actual excretion. It is this reabsorption that causes the prolonged body retention of Dioxins and PCBs.
The authors used rats in their initial seaweed experiments and monotypic encapsulated dried seaweed powders. Their results showed conclusively that:
Dietary seaweeds effectively inhibit reabsorption of Dioxin mixture congeners excreted into the gut from the GI walls and promote their fecal excretion.
The seaweeds inhibited the initial uptake of dietary-sourced Dioxins and PCBs from food, binding them for fecal elimination. Foods are the primary sources of Dioxins and PCBs for most of us.
Seaweeds accelerated whole body elimination of Dioxins and their metabolites. Body processing of stored Dioxins before metabolite excretion was assumed to be hastened.
Although rat and human digestive physiologies differ, Morita and Nakano�s work strongly suggests that in humans regular dietary consumption of commercially available brown seaweeds will likely reduce Dioxin and PCB uptake and speed the fecal elimination of body-accumulated Dioxins and PCBs. The authors intend to use human subjects for equivalent research to demonstrate seaweed-enhanced dioxin and PCB excretion.
In the work cited, the most effective brown seaweed was Wakame, followed closely by both Hiziki and Kombu.
Dioxins, PCBs, and PBDEs (polybromated diethyl ethers) are found in all humans tested (100%)! This means that all of us can likely begin to benefit immediately from regular eating of 5-10 gm/daily of brown seaweed which can serve as toxic Dioxin, PCB, and PBDE exit vectors.
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My note is that these seaweed have wonderful detox properties but we have to be careful since the event of Fukishima. I'm looking at seaweeds from other parts of the world that may be better. I'll post the info as I find it.
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sparkle7
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Active Removal Of Radioactive and Heavy Metal Toxic Cations: The phycocolloids, Algin in all brown algae, and Carageenan and Agar in many red algae, aggressively trap metallic ions. The isolated colloids and/or the seaweeds containing them can be used to remove heavy metals from our food and bodies and carry those metals out in the stool.
Although many seaweeds contain some radioactive elements, careful research indicates that these elements are usually not released into our food or bodies.
Powdered Kelp(s), algin, even sodium alginate, are effectively used to move radioactive and heavy metals out of the body. The metabolic process is slow and deliberate.
The Swedish government first recommended a 5 gm/day dose of powdered Kelp, Algin or sodium alginate as both a detox treatment and a protective treatment against radioactive fallout circa 1954.
The United States Atomic Energy Commission did as well in about 1956; this was later rescinded in about 1960, so as not to alarm the public unduly.
Unfortunately, we are regularly taking in radioactive isotopes from the total world contamination by continual radioactive fallout from all nuclear power plants, weapons facilities and past nuclear �tests�. We are all radioactively hot. We have no choice.
All of our food, air, soil, and water is contaminted. Any way we can reduce our total body burden of radioactive isotopes will help our health., by reducing our personal exposure to ionizing radiation from radioactive isotope decay in our respective bodies. (See: S. Schecter and S. Smith).
Dietary phycocolloids also bulk and soften the stool, soothe the GI tract, and help relieve chronic constipation.
CAUTION: Red seaweeds high in Carageenan can irritate the inner bowel lining in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn�s disease, or ulcerative colitis, probably by local lining astringency water extraction.
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sparkle7
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A couple sources for seaweed from the Atlantic -
Sea Vegetables � According to a 1964 McGill University study published in the �Canadian Medical Association Journal,� sodium alginate from kelp reduced radioactive strontium absorption in the intestines by 50% to 80%. The sodium alginate allowed calcium to be absorbed through the intestinal wall while binding most of the strontium, which was excreted out of the body. Some of the more popular sea vegetables to consume are kelp, arame, wakame and kombu.
Canadian researchers reported that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance that selectively bound radioactive strontium and helped eliminate it from the body. In laboratory experiments, sodium alginate prepared from kelp, kombu, and other brown seaweeds off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was introduced along with strontium and calcium into rats.
The reduction of radioactive particles in bone uptake, measured in the femur, reached as high as 80 percent, with little interference with calcium absorption. �The evaluation of biological activity of different marine algae is important because of their practical significance in preventing absorption of radioactive products of atomic fission as well as in their use as possible natural decontaminators.� Source: Y. Tanaka et al., �Studies on Inhibition of Intestinal Absorption of Radio-Active Strontium,� Canadian Medical Association Journal 99:169-75, 1968.
The Atomic Energy Commission recommends for maximum protection against radioactive poisoning for humans, taking a minimum of 2 to 3 ounces of sea vegetables a week or 10 grams (two tablespoons) a day of sodium alginate supplements. During or after exposure to radiation, the dosage should be increased to two full tablespoons of alginate four times daily to insure that there is a continual supply in the GI or gastrointestinal tract.
There may be a rare concern of constipation but this can be avoided if the sodium alginate is made into a fruit gelatin. Agar, derived from sodium alginate in kelp, is a safe, nontoxic substance that can be used as a thickening agent or gelatin.
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sparkle7
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I'm going to start looking into red seaweeds now...
Here's one article to start off (in case anyone but me cares... LOL). This is actually blowing my mind right now about how good seaweed is.
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KU botany department study highlights medicinal use of seaweeds
The most promising organic extracts of the red algae analysed in this experiment were Osmundea pinnatifida, Scinaia fascicularis, Melanothamnus afaqhusainii and Gracilaria corticata, she says, adding that protozoan parasites are among the most common pathogens in the world.
They are recognised as the causative agents of some of the most serious tropical diseases in both man and domestic animals, she adds. �Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, malaria and dengue diseases caused by protozoan can cause massive loss of lives,� she says.
�The research highlights the significance of marine flora, which currently has no commercial value. More research is required that can possibly help us find treatment of many other diseases such as dengue from seaweeds,� she adds.
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I was also reading about red seaweed's anti-viral & anti-herpes properties. I'll post that later.
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sparkle7
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About Lithothamnion calcareum...
from PubMed-
A multi-mineral natural product inhibits liver tumor formation in C57BL/6 mice.
A mineral-rich extract from the red marine algae Lithothamnion calcareum preserves bone structure and function in female mice on a Western-style diet.
A mineral-rich red algae extract inhibits polyp formation and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract of mice on a high-fat diet.
Growth-inhibitory effects of a mineralized extract from the red marine algae, Lithothamnion calcareum, on Ca(2+)-sensitive and Ca(2+)-resistant human colon carcinoma cells.
$5.99
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sparkle7
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Additionl Antiviral Potential
There are many other viruses harmful to humans that red algae has been successful in fighting in addition to herpes simplex I (cold sores) and II (genital herpes). Red algae is effective against sexually transmitted diseases such as Human Immune Deficiency (HIV) and the Human Papillovirus (HPV) that causes genital warts. Additionally, scientists are discovering how effective red algae is against the viral infection Candida, which is associated with chronic yeast infections in women.
It is possible that heparin-like sulfated polysaccharides from red algae, or fractions thereof, might be found to be low-cost, broad-spectrum antiviral agents. The prevailing view among virologists has been that sulfated polysaccharides inhibit viral action by acting only at the surfaces of cells.
This perception now is changing with the finding that both the herpes virus (containing DNA) and human immunodeficiency virus (containing RNA) are inhibited by sulfated polysaccharides that act within the cell as well as external to it. Aqueous extracts of many red algae are active against retroviruses.
Carrageenan, a common cell wall polysaccharide from red algae, is co-internalized into infected cells with the Herpes simplex virus (HSV), inhibiting the virus.
Carrageenan also interferes with fusion (syncytium formation) between cells infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and inhibits the specific retroviral enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Natural product from red seaweed brings new antiviral spray
Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH has been awarded the top prize in the Mercur 2008 innovation awards. This award to Marinomed honours the discovery of antiviral properties in a natural product and the rapid development of the discovery into a nasal spray for treating the common cold.
Ellen101
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posted
I have learned that seaweed has many benefits. It is used in some orphanages in China and fed to toddlers to prevent brain damage due to poor nutrition.
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Sparkle, thanks for all this information! Sounds like a great supplement. I am looking to find a core group of supplements that do multiple things.
I am tired of taking one pill for this and one pill for that. I would rather find three or four good supplements that I can afford to take on a continual basis.
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sparkle7
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Maybe try the fucoidin & the Aquamin...? Seems like that would cover it. There are lots of real scientific studies about seaweed, it can be eaten as a food, it supplies nutrients/minerals, you can bathe in it, it's detoxifing, anti-viral, anti-cancer & depending on the brand - pretty inexpensive...
I'm still studying it. I'd probably go for seaweed from the Atlantic or far away from Japan. I still haven't looked into the green seaweeds, yet.
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GiGi
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Dr. K. discussed kelp and seaweed with me in 1998 and he recommended to stay away from it. Our oceans are contaminated even more today and global warming does the rest.
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sparkle7
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Thanks GiGi... I don't know what to say since this problem is all over the globe. Do we stop eating, drinking water & breathing? I have a air & water filter but is there really any way to escape it all.
I haven't even gotten to dealing with EMFs.
Not all seaweed is the same. Each variety has unique properties. I guess we just have to be careful. When I was looking into this, I happened to come across a website about how toxic some fish oil is -
Especially for folks on the West Coast & all throughout the northern hemisphere of the planet - we were (& may still be) exposed to radiation. There have been many studies that some forms of seaweed are good to help with this exposure.
I suggest that people who are interested to look into places that have seaweed that are relatively clean like Iceland & the northeastern US/Maine... There may be other places like South America, Ireland or Tasmania that may be somewhat clean.
It is very confusing but I don't think I'd negate taking things that may be helpful. I was reading that artemesia annua harvested in China may be full of heavy metals... What should we do? Can we test everything that we take?
How about food? Do we need to bring a geiger counter to the supermarket? or send all our foods to a lab for testing? There are so many things our food could be contaminated with...
Thank for posting, GiGi... I guess we have to give all of this some thought.
I think if you have tons of anything rotting - that it could be toxic (re: Almost 100 places in Brittany have toxic seaweed - Doctors have warned that the algae pose a health risk as they produce hydrogen sulphide when they rot).
I don't think the health risk is the seaweed per se but the fact that it was growing out of proportion to what was the natural balance, washing up on the beach & rotting.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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