Fucoidans: The importance of processing on their anti-tumoral properties

60 p.-4 fig.-6 tab.
Fucoidans possess antitumoral properties, confirmed by in vitro and in vivo tests and by some clinical studies. However, the heterogeneous characteristics of these complex polysaccharides, the strong influence of collecting and processing conditions, as well as the lack of assays with standardized purified products make the comparison of available data difficult. Most in vitro tests have been performed with purified fractions, and most in vivo studies with commercial, either crude or purified, fucoidans. Molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, sulfation pattern, and the presence of other substituents are highly dependent on the extraction and purification conditions and in order to maintain active structures, the loss of sulfate and other active groups has to be avoided. This review presents information on the influence of the processing stages on the composition and antitumoral properties of fucoidans, and the relevance of other strategies, such as combination with conventional drugs or encapsulation, to enhance bioactivity.
Financial support from the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (CTM2015-68503R), Xunta de Galicia (Centro Singular de Investigación de Galicia, ED431G/02 and Grupos de referencia competitiva ED431C-2016041 and EDC431C 2018/47) and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund - ERDF), is gratefully acknowledged. M.D.T. thank Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for her postdoctoral grant (IJCI-2016-27535). N.F.F. and R.S-V thank Xunta de Galicia for their postdoctoral grants (ED481B 2018/073 and ED481D 2017/017).