What is Fucus Vesiculosus?

Fucus Vesiculosus is the Latin name of a common brown seaweed known in English as bladderwrack. Fucus is found in both the Atlantic and the Pacific as well as the Baltic sea. Fucus Vesiculosus is a traditional food and medicine in many Asian countries, where it is frequently added to soups and now has a following in the alternative health community as a super-food and a weight loss supplement. Research into the properties of Fucus Vesiculosus and its effect on human health have revealed some encouraging findings.

Fucus and the Thyroid

Fucus is commonly consumed in many of the traditional societies that lived near the seas where it occurs. Fucus has a high level of iodine and it helps to promote healthy thyroid functioning and was used to treat goiter and hypothyroidism. Since the thyroid also governs metabolism to some degree, many people use fucus to lose weight and battle obesity. Fucus was the original source of isolated iodine.

Fucus and Estrogen

Fucus has been studied for its effects on menstruating women. In a study done at UC Berkley in California on pre menopausal women, fucus was found to provide positive hormonal support. The researchers found that fucus lowered the estrogen to progesterone level in the women studied, and stimulated ovulation. Since estrogen related diseases, including cancer, pose significant risk to menopausal and pre menopausal women, the researchers recommended further studies.

Fucus and Fucoidan

Fucus vesiculosis, like other brown seaweeds contains a substance called fucoidan that is being researched for a variety of medicinal qualities. In a study done at Kitasato University in Japan, researchers found that fucoidan has anti tumor activity and increases the body's NK cell activity, effectively boosting the immune system. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide, meaning a long chain sugar. Polysaccharides are being studied extensively by the scientific community for their ability to drastically affect the human immune system.

Fucus and Collagen

Many seaweeds are used in the manufacture of cosmetic products. Fucus was recently studied by the Kao Corporation in Japan for its collagen producing abilities. The researchers used a gel made with fucus extract and treated the cheeks of human participants for five weeks. They found that fucus increased skin elasticity and decreased thickness of the skin. The study recommends the use of fucus as an anti-aging cosmetic.

Fucus and Fiber

Fucus is very high in dietary fiber. According to Blue Shield of California, fucus has been used historically as a laxative. Fucus contains not only the fucoidans discussed above but the fiber compound alginic acid. Alginic acid is used to combat both constipation and diarrhea.