Marinova offers “promising therapeutic potential” for skin inflammation

16 May 2022 --- High purity seaweed extractor Marinova shines light onto the therapeutic and skin healing uses of fucoidans, “highly bioactive polysaccharides derived from select species of brown seaweed.”

Amanda Mackinnon, marketing and communications manager at Marinova, speaks with PersonalCareInsights, sharing insights into fucoidans’ “promising” potential for atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema and acne.

“High purity fucoidans offer promising therapeutic potential in topical treatments for inflammatory skin conditions. Marinova looks forward to sharing the results of further skin microbiome studies in due course,” she comments. 

“Fucoidan can be readily incorporated into gel and multilayer formulations to promote topical skin healing activity and offer great potential for developing novel treatment solutions for damaged skin.” 

Science-backed treatment for AD
“Fucoidans represent a safe, natural alternative to potentially assist in the future treatment of atopic dermatitis,” asserts Mackinnon. Fucoidan can be readily incorporated into gel and multilayer formulations to promote topical skin healing activity. 

There is a “considerable” amount of people suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like AD.

“Yet, there remains an unmet need for effective, non-toxic treatments for these widespread conditions.”

Recent studies investigating the topical application of Marinova’s high purity fucoidan suggest that the extracts can help to prevent and treat AD, including acne. 

“The in-vitro 3D model of AD, fucoidan produced by Marinova significantly altered gene expression. Genes that were beneficially affected included those typically associated with skin barrier function, wound healing processes and fluid accumulation,” says Mackinnon explaining how the study was carried out.  

In the same study, Marinova and StratiCELL investigated the skin microbiome.  

“The fucoidan produced by Marinova significantly inhibited the adhesion of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, a known aggravator of AD. The adhesion of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, which is believed to play an important role in the widespread skin condition acne, was also significantly reduced,” continues Mackinnon. 

“Importantly, the fucoidan did not affect the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis – a common bacterium found on healthy skin.”

Boosting wound healing
“Research has demonstrated potential for two of Marinova’s purified and well-characterized fucoidan extracts to promote wound healing activity,” says Mackinnon. Fucoidans inhibited the adhesion of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, a known aggravator of AD.  

Scientists from Marinova and Dellacqua Consulting LLC collaborated in a study to see the effects of Marinova produced Undaria pinnatifida and Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan extracts on the skin. 

“Both demonstrated inhibitory effects on processes linked to skin aging, including the increased expression of SIRT1 in-vitro,” adds Mackinnon. 

“In the clinical study on UV-induced erythema, a Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan extract with a high polyphenol content, also manufactured by Marinova, showed additional in-vitro antioxidant activity compared with a placebo, as well as beneficial soothing and protective effects.” 

The wound healing process requires the repopulation of fibroblasts from the dermal tissue near the wound.

“An in-vitro wound repair study showed that fucoidan modulated the effects of TGF (transforming growth factor) on dermal fibroblasts and restored the rate of fibroblast repopulation,” adds Mackinnon. 

Furthermore, she says that a study found that fucoidan extract, produced by Marinova, also boosted skin immunity and protection. 

“Studies into fucoidan extracts also show great promise for functional wound dressing applications. These include hydrogels and chitin-fucoidan composites that help create a moist environment where healing can occur.” 

Centuries-old fucoidans
Fucoidan-containing seaweeds have been valued for centuries for their dietary and therapeutic properties. 

“Since fucoidan extracts first became commercially available in Japan during the 1970s, scientific interest in their potential has rapidly increased. More than 2,500 peer-reviewed papers now support the physiological benefits of fucoidan exploring health areas,” explains Mackinnon. 

“Potential benefits in inflammation and cellular senescence first garnered interest in the skincare sector, with Marinova’s investment into dermal research leading to the launch of the first commercial fucoidan extracts designed specifically for topical application - just over a decade ago.” 

Mackinnon previously caught up with PersonalCareInsights detailing skin microbiome balancing benefits and sustainably sourcing high purity fucoidans. 

By Venya Patel