Available as a dried plant, liquid extract, soft extract prepared with 45% alcohol, soft gel formulation with lecithin and vitamin B6, and tablets. Source
Fucus vesiculosus is a brown-green seaweed that grows in rocky areas along the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific.
Chemical Components
The plant is dried with periodic turning to avoid fungal growth and the development of a putrid odor. The active constituents are prepared from the dried thallus of the plant, which contains algin, iodine, bromine, mannite, and varying amounts of cadmium and lead. The plant also contains fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide .
Actions
E vesiculosus has been studied mainly in vitro. The anticoagulant effects of fucoidan were found to prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time up to twofold . Kelpware also showed increased expression of platelet membrane activation markers that may playa role in thromboembolic events in patients with cancer and those undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Kelpware has demonstrated antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Neisseria meningitidis in vitro and antifungal action against Candida guilliermondii and C. krusei.
Reported Uses
The early literature reports the use of kelpware for obesity. It has been used in humans to reduce dietary fat content in patients with morbid obesity. The seaweed was also used to treat exophthalmic and simple goiter because of its iodine content and reported to be beneficial in patients under age 30. Kelpware has also been claimed to be useful in treating desquamative nephritis, fatty degeneration of the heart, inflammatory disease of the bladder, and menstrual irregularities such as menorrhagia.
Dosage
Alcoholic liquid extract: 4 to 8 ml P.O. before meals.
Alcoholic soft extract: 200 to 600 mg P.O.
Tablets: 3 tablets (3.75 grains) taken initially P.O. daily and then increased gradually up to 24 tablets P.O. daily.
For obesity, mix 16 g of bruised plant with 1 pt of water and then administer 2 fl oz P.O. t.i.d.
Anticoagulants, aspirin: May have additive effects. Monitor the patient.
Contraindications And Precautions
Kelpware is contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. It is also contraindicated in patients with cancer, diabetes, heart failure, severe hepatic disease, recent myocardial infarction, or renal dysfunction; in elderly patients; and in those taking nephrotoxic drugs. Use cautiously in patients receiving amiodarone, anticoagulants, lithium, or thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Special Considerations
Monitor laboratory results, including serum creatinine and blood glucose levels, PTT, PT, and INR.
Advise women to avoid using kelp ware during pregnancy or when breast - feeding.
Advise parents to avoid using kelpware in children because effects are unknown.
Urge the diabetic patient not to use kelpware.
Caution the patient that kelpware use may result in toxicity from cadmium, lead, arsenic, or bromide.
Urge the patient to report signs of bleeding, increased thirst, and changes in urinary frequency or volume.
Inform the patient that kelpware may contain iodine.
Points of interest
F. vesiculosus has been reported to accumulate cadmium and lead in various plant parts, probably from the heavy metal content of seawater.
Several Fucus species that are found along the French coastline are used to make kelpware tablets. The amount of iodine present in kelpware depends on the plant's origin; F. digitatus contains seven to eight times more iodine than F. vesiculosus.
Commentary
Although F. vesiculosus appears to possess anticoagulant activity, it can not be recommended because of the lack of in vivo studies. Most experience with this plant's use is in Europe. The use of kelp ware for obesity has received criticism and is generally excluded for morbid obesity.