PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Laminaria digitata, also known as oarweed, is a brown macroalga rich in bioactive compounds and minerals, utilized in food, animal feed, and medical applications [PMID:38540816, 35477456, 12335634].
Background
Laminaria digitata is a brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) found in the Northeast Atlantic [PMID:37351476, 35694894]. It is an ecologically and commercially important species used as a source of alginate [PMID:28742072, 12335634].
Traditional uses
Historically, Laminaria digitata was used in the 19th century as an aid in cervical dilatation in France, Germany, and Japan, and has seen revived interest for second-trimester abortion due to efficiency and patient comfort [PMID:12335634].
Active compounds
Active constituents include phlorotannins (specifically fucols and phlorethols) [PMID:28612431], laminaran (a beta-D-glucan) [PMID:35873409, 27562783], fucoidan, alginic acid [PMID:38798825], and fucoxanthin [PMID:30823356]. It is also a significant source of iodine [PMID:30834917, 33889064], bromine [PMID:30309522], iron, and calcium [PMID:35477456].
Mechanism of action
Crude extracts containing polyphenols and fucoxanthin demonstrate the ability to scavenge free radicals [PMID:30823356]. In silico studies suggest that constituents such as dieckol, eckol, and laminaran may bind to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) [PMID:38798825].
Clinical evidence
Evidence ABlood Glucose Management
Seaweed consumption, including functional components like polyphenols and fucoidan, is associated with blood glucose regulation [PMID:38068845].
Evidence DOsteogenic Potential
In vitro studies using human foetal osteoblast cells and bone marrow stromal cells showed that crude extracts of L. digitata containing polyphenols and fucoxanthin can scavenge free radicals, though pure fucoxanthin inhibited cell proliferation at high concentrations [PMID:30823356].
Safety & adverse effects
Laminaria digitata can accumulate radiotoxic 137Cs [PMID:37918140] and organohalogens, including organochlorine (120-630 mg/kg dry weight) and organobromine (150-360 mg/kg) [PMID:30309522]. High iodine content in macroalgae products may pose a risk of excess intake [PMID:33889064].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal feed trials (poultry and piglets), and a meta-analysis on general seaweed consumption. There is a lack of human clinical trials specifically for L. digitata.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 38540816 (2024) — Micro- and Macroalgae in Meat Products. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 28612431 (2017) — Phlorotannin Composition of Laminaria digitata. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
- 3.PMID: 28742072 (2017) — Phaeoviruses discovered in kelp (Laminariales). · The ISME journal
- 4.PMID: 37918140 (2023) — The distribution of radiotoxic 137Cs concentrations in seaweed and mussel species in the Mediterranean Sea. · Marine pollution bulletin
- 5.PMID: 30309522 (2019) — Particulate organohalogens in edible brown seaweeds. · Food chemistry