Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides from marine algae for treating cancer, infectious disease, and inflammation

Phytother Res. 2022 Feb;36(2):761-777. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7348. Epub 2021 Dec 28.

Abstract

A significant rise in the occurrence and severity of adverse reactions to several synthetic drugs has fueled considerable interest in natural product-based therapeutics. In humans and animals, polysaccharides from marine microalgae and seaweeds have immunomodulatory effects. In addition, these polysaccharides may possess antiviral, anticancer, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, and antioxidant properties. During inflammatory diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and sepsis, immunosuppressive molecules can serve as therapeutic agents. Similarly, molecules that participate in immune activation can induce immune responses against cancer and infectious diseases. We aim to discuss the chemical composition of the algal polysaccharides, namely alginate, fucoidan, ascophyllan, and porphyran. We also summarize their applications in the treatment of cancer, infectious disease, and inflammation. Recent applications of nanoparticles that are based on algal polysaccharides for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases have also been addressed. In conclusion, these applications of marine algal polysaccharides could provide novel therapeutic alternatives for several diseases.

Keywords: cancer; immune modulation; inflammation; marine algae polysaccharide; nanoparticle.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use
  • Seaweed* / chemistry

Substances

  • Polysaccharides