Anti-Fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Laves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways

Brown seaweeds contain fucoidan, which has numerous biological activities. Here, the anti-fine-dust activity of fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia maxima, an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa, was explored. Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the monosaccharide content, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the structural characterization of the polysaccharides. The toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. The results revealed that E. maxima purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7), which contained the highest sulfate content, showed the best anti-inflammatory activity by attenuating the TLR-mediated NF-kappa B/MAPK protein expressions in the particulate matter-stimulated cells. This was solidified by the successful reduction of Prostaglandin E-2, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 beta. The current findings confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of EMLF7, as well as the potential use of E. maxima as a low-cost fucoidan source due to its abundance. This suggests its further application as a functional ingredient in consumer products.

Automated summary

This study investigated the anti-fine-dust activity of fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia maxima, an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa. The results showed that the purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7) from E. maxima exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity by attenuating TLR-mediated NF-kappa B/MAPK protein expressions. This suggests the potential use of E. maxima as a low-cost fucoidan source and functional ingredient in consumer products.