Fucoidan is found in various species of brown seaweed and algae,with anticancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, immune-modulating.

Fucoidan significantly decreased viable cell number in a dose-response manner with an IC50 of 550 ±4.3 μg/mL.?Cell morphology was altered and significant apoptosis was induced when cells were exposed to 550 μg/mL fucoidan for 48 h[1].

Intraperitoneal injection of fucoidan in breast cancer models reduced the tumor volume and weight.?The enhanced antitumor efficacy was associated with decreased angiogenesis and increased induction of apoptosis[2].

The influence of fucoidan on B16 melanoma cells and cellular tyrosinase:Cell viability was examined by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin content were determined using spectrophotometric methods and protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting. Morphological changes in B16 melanoma cells were examined by phase contrast microscopy and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry[1].

In vivo, therapy experiments were conducted on Babl/c mice bearing breast cancer.?The tumor volume and weight were measured.?The number of apoptotic cells and microvascular density (MVD) in tumor tissues were assessed by TUNEL and CD34 immunostaining.?Immunohistochemical assays and ELISA assay were used to detect the expression of VEGF in tissues[2].