Phytomedicine Plus (Feb 2025)
Phytochemistry and pharmacological advances of Ascophyllum nodosum in the management of human diseases: A comprehensive review
Abstract
Background: Ascophyllum nodosum, a brown alga, is a potential natural remedy with a diverse application for disease prevention and therapeutic support. It contains a variety of biologically active phyto-compounds that show a vast array of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-periodontal, anti-microbial, anti-goiter, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effect, etc. Purpose: This comprehensive review divulges the existing knowledge from research literature on Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) and offers suggestions for future research on its potential against human diseases. Methods: To ensure a comprehensive search, we reviewed peer-reviewed articles on Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) and its active constituents using several online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Web of Science. We used targeted keywords, such as “Ascophyllum nodosum extract,” “pharmacological properties,” “therapeutic applications,” and “bioactive compounds,” to ensure a focused collection of high-quality studies relevant to ANE's health benefits. Additionally, the search included only English-language articles published within the last decade, with an emphasis on research from the past five years to ensure currency and relevance. Older but foundational studies were also retained to provide historical context and background. This structured approach allowed us to gather a range of high-quality articles directly supporting ANE's potential in various therapeutic contexts. Results: We conducted a comprehensive review of the research progress on ANE, focusing on its pharmacological effects on various diseases using animal models, mechanisms of action, and composition, are as not explored in preceding reviews. Additionally, we examined the bioactive ingredients in ANE, highlighting their potential to address significant challenges in mitigating human diseases. Conclusions: In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of A. nodosum, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing human diseases. The study of ANE in animal models shows promising prospects for ameliorating several human diseases.
