alginate oligosaccharide

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a collective term for low-molecular-weight polymers derived from the degradation of alginate, a polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed. [5, 13] These oligosaccharides are composed of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) monomers. [5] AOS is considered a nutraceutical or dietary supplement and has been approved as a new food raw material in China. [16] It demonstrates a wide array of biological activities, including prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. [2, 8, 9] The mechanism of action is multifaceted; AOS functions as a prebiotic to beneficially modulate gut microbiota, which in turn can influence systemic health. [7, 9, 14] Its anti-inflammatory properties are partly mediated through the inhibition of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. [2, 9, 23] AOS also exerts antioxidant effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway. [12, 17] A specific G-block fragment of AOS, known as OligoG, is being developed by AlgiPharma as a pharmaceutical for cystic fibrosis, where it works by disrupting bacterial biofilms. [4, 9] Other research, including a clinical trial at Shenzhen University General Hospital, is investigating the use of AOS tablets to improve semen quality in men with oligozoospermia, with preclinical studies suggesting it works by improving the testicular microenvironment and gut health. [5, 11, 14]

Other names

褐藻寡糖Alginate oligosaccharidesAlginate-derived oligosaccharideAOS tablets褐藻寡糖片