Scientists have discovered that seaweed extracts may help suppress and alleviate inflammation caused by fine dust particles, according to an announcement from Wando County (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — Scientists have discovered that seaweed extracts may help suppress and alleviate inflammation caused by fine dust particles, according to an announcement from Wando County, South Jeolla Province, on February 5.
The research, conducted jointly by the Marine Bio Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, and Sunchon National University, focused on identifying compounds from seaweed that could reduce the toxicity of fine dust particles.
The research team studied extracts from several types of seaweed native to Wando, including Ecklonia stolonifera (gulf weed), Codium fragile (green sea fingers), and Ecklonia cava (sea trumpet). These were tested against fine dust-like substances (ERM-CZ100 and ERM-CZ120), which are known to cause respiratory inflammation, allergies, and skin conditions.
The scientists isolated specific compounds from each seaweed variety: fucoxanthin from gulf weed, siphonaxanthin from green sea fingers, and dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol A from sea trumpet.
Among these, phlorofucofuroeckol A from sea trumpet showed particularly promising results, not only inhibiting inflammation caused by fine dust-like particles but also reducing the expression of genes associated with inflammation and cell death.
The findings were published in the international journal “Medicina” on January 20.
“This research once again confirms the exceptional properties of seaweed,” said Shin Woo-chul, mayor of Wando County. “We will continue to support research that demonstrates the value of seaweed, which will help promote seaweed consumption and advance our specialized marine bio-industry.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
