Fucoidan in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review for Smart Drug Delivery Systems

Fucoidan is a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides isolated from marine organisms, including brown algae and marine invertebrates. The physicochemical characteristics and potential bioactivities of fucoidan have attracted substantial interest in pharmaceutical industries in the past few decades. These polysaccharides are characterized by possessing sulfate ester groups that impart negatively charged surfaces, low/high molecular weight, and water solubility. In addition, various promising bioactivities have been reported, such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. Hence, the formulation of fucoidan has been investigated in the past few years in diverse pharmaceutical dosage forms to be able to reach their site of action effectively. Moreover, they can act as carriers for various drugs in value-added drug delivery systems. The current work highlights the attractive biopharmaceutical properties of fucoidan being formulated in oral, inhalable, topical, injectable, and other advanced formulations treating life-quality-affecting diseases. Therefore, the present work points out the current status of fucoidan pharmaceutical formulations for future research transferring their application from in vitro and in vivo studies to clinical application and market availability.

Automated summary

Fucoidan is a versatile group of polysaccharides derived from marine organisms, such as brown algae and marine invertebrates. It has attracted significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry due to its diverse physicochemical properties and potential bioactivities. Fucoidan possesses negatively charged surfaces, low/high molecular weight, and water solubility, and it has shown promising effects in various biomedical applications, including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. The current research focuses on formulating fucoidan in different pharmaceutical dosage forms to effectively deliver its therapeutic benefits and enhance drug delivery systems. This study highlights the importance of further clinical research and market availability of fucoidan formulations.