Enteromorpha intestinalis (Enteromorpha intestinalis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Enteromorpha intestinalis work in the body?

Enteromorpha intestinalis contains bioactive compounds including ulvan (a sulfated polysaccharide), chlorophyll, beta-carotene, iodine, and iron. Ulvan contributes to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating immune responses and inhibiting bacterial growth. The iodine content supports thyroid hormone production, while antioxidants like beta-carotene and chlorophyll help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Evidence level: C (preclinical studies).

Does Enteromorpha intestinalis interact with any medications?

No significant drug interactions have been documented for Enteromorpha intestinalis. However, due to its iodine content, individuals taking thyroid medications such as levothyroxine should monitor iodine intake, as excessive iodine can affect thyroid hormone levels and medication efficacy. Those on anticoagulants should exercise caution, as some seaweed compounds may have mild anticoagulant properties. Consult a healthcare provider if taking thyroid or blood-thinning medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Enteromorpha intestinalis?

The typical adult dosage for Enteromorpha intestinalis is 5-20 grams of fresh seaweed or 2-5 grams of dried seaweed daily. This can be consumed as food, added to soups or salads, or taken as a supplement. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance. Dried forms are more concentrated in nutrients, so adjust amounts accordingly. Evidence level: Traditional use.

Is Enteromorpha intestinalis safe to eat during pregnancy?

Enteromorpha intestinalis is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in normal food amounts. It provides beneficial nutrients including iron and beta-carotene that support maternal health. However, pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption due to iodine content, as high iodine intake can affect fetal thyroid development. Always source from clean waters to avoid heavy metal contamination. Consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated supplements. Evidence level: Traditional use.

What are the health benefits of Enteromorpha intestinalis?

Enteromorpha intestinalis offers digestive support, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidant protection. Traditionally consumed in Japan, Korea, and Pacific Islands, it provides essential nutrients including iodine, iron, and beta-carotene. The sulfated polysaccharide ulvan may support gut health and immune function. Regular consumption may contribute to overall nutritional status and digestive wellness. Evidence level: C (based on preclinical research and traditional use).

Are there any side effects from eating Enteromorpha intestinalis?

Enteromorpha intestinalis is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Excessive consumption may cause iodine excess, potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals. Those with iodine allergy should avoid it completely. Sourcing from polluted waters may expose consumers to heavy metals or environmental toxins. Mild digestive discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals when first introducing seaweed into the diet. Evidence level: Traditional use.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Enteromorpha intestinalis is a green marine macroalga containing bioactive polysaccharides and flavonoids with demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor properties [PMID: 29325743, 38682138, 24197975].

Contexte

Enteromorpha intestinalis is a green macroalga (Chlorophyta) that can form 'green tides' in eutrophicated marine environments [PMID: 21665602]. It is characterized by monostromatic tubes or sheets [PMID: 21665602] and is found in various regions including the Baltic Sea, the coast of Finland, Turkey, Libya, and Saudi Arabia [PMID: 21665602, 19086565, 38682138, 38840812].

Composés actifs

The herb contains water-soluble polysaccharides (including neutral and acidic fractions composed of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, mannose, and xylose) [PMID: 29325743], sulfated polysaccharides [PMID: 39615168, 24197975], and flavonoids such as apigenin, rudin, diosmin, and quercilin [PMID: 38840812]. It also contains polyphenols [PMID: 31816918, 26150743] and produces 3-dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) [PMID: 9202120].

Mécanisme d'action

Sulfated polysaccharides (EI-SP) induce apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells via the mitochondrial pathway, characterized by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and modulation of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3/9 proteins [PMID: 24197975].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHepatoma (HepG2 cells)

Sulfated polysaccharides (EI-SP) inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (100-400 μg/ml) [PMID: 24197975]

Preuve DBacterial Infection (S. aureus)

Flavonoid extracts showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus [PMID: 38682138]

Preuve DAlcohol-related liver disease (Zebrafish model)

Supplementation with 1% sulfated polysaccharides mitigated ethanol-induced oxidative stress, liver iron overload, and ferroptosis [PMID: 39615168]

Preuve BBroiler Growth Performance

Dietary supplementation of 0.1% macroalgae significantly improved growth performance in broiler chicks [PMID: 39101104]

Preuve DIntestinal Function (SD Rats)

Water-extracted (WPEI) and alkaline-extracted (APEI) polysaccharides promoted microbial growth better than dried powder (DPEI) [PMID: 35153754]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

E. intestinalis can accumulate heavy metals; concentrations of Fe, Ti, Cr, V, and others have been reported [PMID: 35759901]. While some individual metals did not pose a risk, the Hazard Index (HI) for E. intestinalis was >1, implying potential health risks from consumption [PMID: 35759901].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies (D) and animal models (B/D). There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 29325743 (2018) — Total fractionation and characterization of the water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from Enteromorpha intestinalis. · International journal of biological macromolecules
2.PMID: 25141699 (2013) — Potential uses of gut weed Enteromorpha spp. as a feed for herbivorous fish. · Communications in agricultural and applied biological sciences
3.PMID: 38682138 (2024) — Antibacterial activity of flavonoid extracts from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera against multidrug-resistant foodborne bacterial isolates. · Open veterinary journal
4.PMID: 34029896 (2021) — Chemical profiling of Ulva species for food applications: What is in a name? · Food chemistry
5.PMID: 21665602 (2002) — Novel morphology in Enteromorpha (Ulvophyceae) forming green tides.

Enteromorpha intestinalis

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Enteromorpha intestinalis