fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid (an epoxycarotenol) primarily found in brown seaweed and algae, responsible for their brown or olive-green color. It is available as a dietary supplement and has been investigated for multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-obesity, antitumor/anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective effects[1][2][3][4]. Fucoxanthin exerts its effects through several mechanisms such as inducing cell cycle arrest (G0/G1 phase), promoting apoptosis in cancer cells by modulating the expression of cyclins (e.g., cyclin D), CDKs (e.g., CDK4), p15/p21 proteins[3][8], inhibiting angiogenesis via suppression of FGF2-mediated signaling pathways[6], regulating lipid metabolism likely through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)[1][2], and targeting PI3K/Akt/NF-kB signaling pathways[6]. Its exact anticancer mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate its efficacy in metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease[1][2]. Fucoxanthin can inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme activity which may affect the metabolism of other drugs[7].

Brand names

Sebatrol

Other names

fucoxanthin