k-selenocarrageenan

**k-selenocarrageenan** is an organic selenium-modified polysaccharide derived from κ-carrageenan, in which selenium atoms partially replace the native sulfate groups. It retains the basic structure of κ-carrageenan, a marine red algae sulfated polysaccharide, but exhibits additional biological activity due to the presence of selenium. K-selenocarrageenan has been shown to possess immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects in preclinical models, especially for inhibiting tumor growth and modulating inflammatory responses. Low molecular weight derivatives, such as κ-selenocarrageenan oligosaccharides, can be enzymatically produced and have improved bioavailability and enhanced activity compared to their parent polysaccharide. These oligosaccharides reduce colonic inflammation and modulate gut microbiota composition in animal models of ulcerative colitis, primarily by suppressing inflammatory cytokine signaling (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10) and neutrophil infiltration. In cancer studies, k-selenocarrageenan exhibits cell cycle modulation, blocking cells in S phase and inhibiting key regulators like cyclin A, Cdk2, and Cdc25A.

Brand names

k-selenocarrageenan

Other names

κ-selenocarrageenanKSCseleno-kappacarrageenan