Invasive Algae Found to Have Anti-aging Property

Invasive algae called Sargassum horneri cover a beach in the city of Jeju on South Korea’s largest island of the same name on Jan. 27, 2021. (Yonhap)

SEOCHEON, April 19 (Korea Bizwire) — An invasive algae called Sargassum horneri, believed to have originated from China’s east coast, has an antioxidant ingredient with anti-aging effects, a study showed Tuesday.

The National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea said it has discovered an antioxidant ingredient with anti-aging effects in Sargassum horneri and has filed for a patent.

In February, the institute filed for a patent after discovering that the algae extract had the ability to cure and prevent nasal cysts and sinus infections. A follow-up study was conducted.

The research team identified an ingredient called loliolide in the algae and injected 25 parts per million (ppm) of loliolide into zebrafish that had undergone oxidation processing to verify the antioxidant effect.

The research team confirmed that the algae had the effect of suppressing the creation of active oxygen, an oxidation-inducing factor that is active to the level of normal zebrafish.

The algae, called “gwaengsaengimojaban” in Korean, gives off a strong odor and causes damage to fish farms.

Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)