DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Algina (Ascophyllum nodosum)

March 22, 2017

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Algin (Ascophyllum nodosum)

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • Alginates, alginic acid, Ascophyllum nodosum, Fermion gas, Laminaria digitata, Lessoniaceae (family), Macrocystis pyrifera, sodium alginate.

Background

  • Algin is a polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) derived from brown seaweed (from the genera Ascophyllum, Macrocystis and Laminaria) currently found in the North Atlantic basin. Seaweed has been used as food for humans and animals for thousands of years. Its derivatives have wide application in the food industry, the cosmetic industry, and in medicine and dentistry. In Asia, seaweed is relied on as a vegetable and fiber source, while the Western world has developed a tablet form to get the nutrients.

  • In folk medicine, algin is taken by mouth to prevent and treat high blood pressure. It is also used in foods such as candy, gelatins, puddings, condiments, relish, processed vegetables, fish products, and imitation products. In manufacturing, algin is used as a binding and disintegrating agent in tablets, as a binding and demulcent in lozenges, and as a film in peel-off facial masks.

  • Algin is often used to normalize bowel function. It has also been studied in combination with dietary fibers. Additional study is needed before any firm recommendations can be made about the safety or effectiveness of algin.

Scientific Evidence

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

No available studies qualify for inclusion in the evidence table.

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

  • Abortion, bowel function improvement, cervical dilation, diabetes, gastric ulcers, healing of colonic anastomoses, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), hypertension (high blood pressure), ocular fillings, reducing absorption of strontium/barium/tin/cadmium/manganese/zinc/mercury, tissue replacement, wound healing, wound infection.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

  • Safety, efficacy, and dosing have not been systematically studied in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

  • Safety, efficacy, and dosing have not been systematically studied in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

  • Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to algin and/or its derivatives.

Side Effects and Warnings

  • Currently, there is a lack of available scientific evidence regarding algin's safety and potential side effects. Algin is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts typically found in foods. However, it is possibly unsafe when used in pregnant women. Laminaria digitata, a species which algin can be derived from, has been used as an aid in cervical dilation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Algin is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of available scientific evidence. Algin may cause abortion or dilate the cervix.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

  • The fiber in algin may impair the body's ability to absorb oral drugs. Patients taking any medications should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before taking algin.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

  • The fiber in algin may impair the body's ability to absorb oral herbs and supplements. Patients taking any herbs or supplements should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before taking algin.

Author Information

  • This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

  1. Basta G, Falorni A, Osticioli L, et al. Method for mass retrieval, morphologic, and functional characterization of adult porcine islets of Langerhans: a potential nonhuman pancreatic tissue resource for xenotransplantation in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Investig Med 1995;43(6):555-566. View Abstract

  2. Brunetti P, Basta G, Faloerni A, et al. Immunoprotection of pancreatic islet grafts within artificial microcapsules. Int J Artif Organs 1991;14(12):789-791. View Abstract

  3. Calafiore R, Calcinaro F, Basta G, et al. A method for the massive separation of highly purified, adult porcine islets of Langerhans. Metabolism 1990;39(2):175-181. View Abstract

  4. Calafiore R. Transplantation of microencapsulated pancreatic human islets for therapy of diabetes mellitus. A preliminary report. ASAIO J 1992;38(1):34-37. View Abstract

  5. Hashem F, Ramadan E, el Said Y. Effect of suspending agents on the characteristics of some anti-inflammatory suspensions. Pharmazie 1987;42(11):732-735. View Abstract

  6. Mokady S. Effect of dietary pectin and algin on blood cholesterol level in growing rats fed a cholesterol-free diet. Nutr Metab 1973;15(4):290-294. View Abstract

  7. Mokady S. Effect of dietary pectin and algin on the biosynthesis of hepatic lipids in growing rats. Nutr Metab 1974;16(4):203-207. View Abstract

  8. Petrov AP, Molodtsov NV. [Effect of acid polysaccharides on the corticosteroid biosynthesis]. Probl Endokrinol (Mosk) 1978;24(3):99-103. View Abstract

  9. Rubin B. Laminaria digitata: a checkered career. Econ Bot 1977;31(1):66-71. View Abstract

  10. Stevens RA, Levin RE. Viscometric assay of bacterial alginase. Appl Environ Microbiol 1976;31(6):896-899. View Abstract

  11. Tasdelen A, Algin C, Ates E, et al. Effect of leptin on healing of colonic anastomoses in rats. Hepatogastroenterology 2004;51(58):994-997. View Abstract

  12. Ushakov RV, Dugarov BD, Iakubovich VS, et al. [The use of alginic acid-based preparations for treating suppurative wounds of the maxillofacial area and neck]. Stomatologiia (Mosk) 1991;(5):46-47. View Abstract

  13. von Riesen VL. Digestion of algin by Pseudomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas putida. Appl Environ Microbiol 1980;39(1):92-96. View Abstract

  14. Wu J, Peng SS. Comparison of hypolipidemic effect of refined konjac meal with several common dietary fibers and their mechanisms of action. Biomed Environ Sci 1997;10(1):27-37. View Abstract

  15. Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Zeng X, et al. [Antisteatotic effects of four kinds of dietary fibers in rats fed on high cholesterol diet: a preliminary morphometric analysis]. Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 1992;23(1):75-78. View Abstract

Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017