24 2010
NutritionalFinds to Sell Maritech’s Seaweed Extract Joint Blend in North America
NutritionalFinds.com, a division of Natural Discoveries LLC, announced that they have been granted the exclusive rights to represent Maritech® Joint Blend bioactive for nutraceutical applications in North America. Maritech® Joint blend is a proprietary, certified organic combination of 3 unique fucoidans extracted from seaweed which has been clinically proven safe and effective for reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. NutritionalFinds will promote Maritech® as a trademarked raw material for joint health in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Recent human clinical research (Biologics: Targets & Therapy 2010:4 33-44) conducted at Southern Cross University NatMed Research Centre demonstrated that the natural seaweed extract can reduce osteoarthritis symptoms in some patients by up to 52%. Fucoidans are bioactive polysaccharides thought to be responsible for many of the health benefits attributed to brown seaweeds such as wakame.
05 2010
Australian Scientists In Swine Flu Breakthrough with Seaweed
In a breakthrough that offers new hope for the containment of influenza outbreaks, an Australian biotechnology company has isolated a natural extract from seaweed which has been shown to inhibit the H1N1 virus.
The extract – known as Maritech® 926 – is a fucoidan compound derived from the Undaria pinnatifida species of seaweed. In vitro tests performed under contract by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US, have shown that Maritech® 926 can inhibit the H1N1 influenza virus at extremely low concentrations.
Developed by biotechnology company Marinova Pty Ltd, Maritech® 926 is a natural polysaccharide which has immediate market potential in nutritional supplements, hand washes and nasal delivery products which target the spread and prevention of viral conditions. Scope also exists for the compound to be included in pharmaceutical and medical device applications. As a result of these findings, Marinova has filed for patent protection over the application of Maritech® 926 and other fucoidan extracts in a range of anti-viral applications.
11 2009
New marine extract from the brown algae for skincare
News out of France — Kalpariane is a new marine extract from the brown algae Alaria Esculenta which has been developed by BiotechMarine to nourish and protect the skin.
The extract has anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity to preserve skin elasticity and skin suppleness by reducing elastin and collagen degradation. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 oils to reinforce the skins hydro-lipidic barrier. It is recommended for facial and skin firming products, as well as for products developed to prevent stretch marks and wrinkles.
11 2009
Anti-Cancer Fucoidans Extracted from Brown Marine Algae; May be Used in Functional Beverages
A team of researchers has developed a method for extracting three different varieties of polysaccharides from the algae: alginates, fucoidans, and laminaran. The researchers found that the extracted alginates appeared to demonstrate anti-bacterial properties and appeared to be effective against E. coli and staphylococcus. Studies have suggested that both laminarans and fucoidans have immune-boosting, cancer-fighting, and anti-viral properties. As part of the next step in developing commercial products from the extracts, the researchers are testing them for toxicity on rats. Obstacles to overcome before commercialization include quality control standardization and a way to extract the polysaccharides on an industrial scale. The researchers have contracted with an Ireland-based beverage company to develop products for the Japanese market. They are currently testing the extracts in beverages including ice tea, orange juice and water. The global market in so-called functional foods and drinks is anticipated to grow by 14 percent per year until 2010.
11 2008
Brown Marine Algae Mined for Functional Ingredients
Franck Hennequart and his colleagues at the National University of Ireland in Galway have developed a process to extract alginates, laminaran and fucoidans from brown algae. Alginates are currently used as low-cost thickening and viscosity stabilizers for such products as salad dressings, and for microencapsulated ingredients. Laminarans are used in horticulture, but otherwise have no other industrial applications, and fucoidans are used as bioactive agents in Asia.
The scientists began developing a way to commercially extract the laminarans and fucoidans from the algae after studies indicated both had potential uses as immuno-stimulant, anti-viral and anti-cancer agents. Some of the extracts were tested against nine pathogens, including E. coli, listeria, staphycococcus, and salmonella. The scientists have now produced and identified four different extracts from the seaweeds, standardized their composition and are now testing them on a range of drinks, including mineral water, orange juice and cold tea. Some of the extracts seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect, and so far no toxicity has been discovered. Some of the problems to be overcome include methods to ensure quality control. The studies and their conclusions will help guide the selection of candidate functional beverages for commercialization.

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