Fucoidan extract from brown seaweed ( Sargassum echinocarpum ): molecular weight, elemental composition, selectivity and anticancer activity against breast cancer cells

• Published in: Natural product research 2024-04, p.1-9
• Main Authors: Yunianta, Yunianta, Laeliocattleya, Rosalina Ariesta, Wulan, Siti Narsito, Risjani, Yenny
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1478-6419; 1478-6427
• DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2326978

Molecular weight and elemental composition contribute to fucoidan bioactivity. Fucoidan extract from had three fractions varying in molecular weights (Mw), whereas crude fucoidan extract had a moderate Mw of 2,034.31 kDa. The fucoidan extract contained several elements, including C (38.19%), O (44.46%), and S (2.61%). Moreover, the fucoidan extract exhibited toxicity to breast cancer cells (MCF-7) at 297.58 ± 2.40 ppm. The extract induced apoptosis by 49.78%, 72.05%, and 89.35% after incubation for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Fucoidan increased MDA levels in MCF-7 cells, indicating its anticancer properties through the induction of apoptosis-induced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of fucoidan extract was not significantly different from the standard fucoidan ( ). In addition, the extract was selective and non-toxic to human normal cells (TIG 1-20), indicating its safety for consumption and potential as an anticancer agent derived from marine algae.