Scientists studied a natural substance called furcellaran, which comes from a type of red seaweed. They tested different ways to extract this substance and found that certain versions showed promise for helping skin cells grow and heal, boosting immune system activity, and supporting gut health. The extracts were safe when tested in the lab and didn’t harm human cells. This research suggests that furcellaran could potentially be used in health supplements or functional foods to support skin, immune, and digestive wellness, though more testing in humans is needed before it becomes widely available.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether extracts from red seaweed called Furcellaria lumbricalis could help skin cells grow, boost immune function, and support gut health
  • Who participated: This was laboratory research using human skin cells, immune cells, and gut cells grown in dishes—not actual people or animals
  • Key finding: One extract called FL-3A significantly increased skin cell growth and movement by about 30% compared to controls, and several extracts boosted immune cell activity without harming the cells
  • What it means for you: This seaweed extract might eventually be used in skincare products or supplements to support healing and immunity, but it’s still in early testing stages and hasn’t been tested on humans yet

The Research Details

Researchers extracted polysaccharides (natural sugars) from red seaweed using two different methods: cold extraction and hot extraction. They then used advanced laboratory techniques to identify what chemicals were in each extract and tested how these extracts affected different types of human cells grown in laboratory dishes. The cells tested included skin cells, immune cells, and gut cells. This approach allowed scientists to see which extracts were safe and which ones had beneficial effects on cell behavior.

The study measured several important outcomes: whether the extracts were toxic to cells, how they affected immune cell activity (specifically a process called phagocytosis where immune cells eat harmful invaders), whether they helped skin cells grow and move, and how they affected gut cells. The researchers also tested whether the extracts had blood-thinning properties.

This type of research is important because it helps identify which natural substances might have health benefits before spending time and money on human trials. By testing in laboratory conditions, scientists can quickly screen many different extracts to find the most promising ones. This approach also helps ensure safety before any substance is considered for use in supplements or foods.

This study used established laboratory techniques and multiple types of cell testing, which strengthens the findings. However, because it was only done in laboratory dishes with isolated cells, the results may not translate directly to how the seaweed would work in actual human bodies. The study didn’t include human participants, so we can’t yet know if these benefits would occur in real people. More research, including human trials, would be needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

What the Results Show

The researchers found that about 24% of the seaweed’s dry weight consisted of the beneficial polysaccharides they were studying. Different extraction methods produced different results: cold extraction at lower temperatures captured more of the other helpful compounds like proteins and antioxidants, while hot extraction produced purer polysaccharide extracts.

When testing immune function, the cold-extracted fractions significantly boosted a key immune process called phagocytosis—the ability of immune cells to engulf and destroy harmful invaders. One extract increased this activity by about 33%, while another increased it by about 27%. These are meaningful improvements that suggest the seaweed could support immune defense.

For skin health, one extract called FL-3A showed particularly impressive results. It increased both the growth and movement of skin cells by significant amounts. This suggests it could potentially help with wound healing and skin regeneration. The extract also boosted activity in immune cells that live in the skin.

All the extracts tested were safe and didn’t kill the human cells they were tested on, which is an important safety finding for potential food or supplement use.

The study found that some extracts triggered inflammatory responses in gut cells, which could be either beneficial or problematic depending on the situation. Inflammation in the right amount can help fight infections, but too much can cause problems. The extracts showed only weak blood-thinning effects, suggesting they’re unlikely to interfere with blood clotting medications. The cold-extracted fractions contained more non-polysaccharide compounds like proteins and plant antioxidants, which could provide additional health benefits beyond the main polysaccharides.

This research builds on previous studies showing that seaweed polysaccharides have health-promoting properties. The finding that different extraction methods produce different results with varying benefits is consistent with other research on natural product extraction. The immune-boosting effects align with previous studies on seaweed compounds, while the specific skin cell growth benefits add new information to the existing research base.

The biggest limitation is that this research was conducted entirely in laboratory dishes with isolated human cells, not in living organisms or people. What works in a dish doesn’t always work the same way in a whole body. The study didn’t test the extracts in animals or humans, so we don’t know if the benefits would actually occur in real life. The exact amounts of seaweed needed for health benefits in humans remain unknown. Additionally, the study didn’t compare these extracts to existing treatments, so we can’t say whether they’d be better or worse than current options. Finally, the study didn’t follow cells over long periods, so we don’t know about long-term effects.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early-stage research, we cannot yet recommend seaweed extracts as a treatment or supplement for skin, immune, or gut health. The findings are promising enough to warrant further research, including animal studies and eventually human trials. If you’re interested in supporting skin and immune health, current evidence-based approaches like a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep, and stress management remain the best options. Confidence level: Low—this is preliminary laboratory research only.

This research is most relevant to supplement manufacturers, skincare companies, and researchers interested in natural health products. People with skin conditions, immune system concerns, or digestive issues might eventually benefit if this research leads to approved products, but that’s years away. People taking blood thinners should be aware of any new seaweed-based supplements, though this study suggests the risk is minimal. This research is NOT yet relevant for individual health decisions.

If this research progresses through animal testing and human trials as expected, it would likely take 5-10 years before any seaweed-based products derived from this research might become available to consumers. Even then, benefits would likely develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use, not immediately.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once seaweed-based products become available, users could track skin appearance (using photos weekly), energy levels, and digestive comfort on a 1-10 scale daily to monitor personal response
  • When these products eventually become available, users could set a daily reminder to take a supplement at the same time each day and log any changes in skin clarity, energy, or digestive symptoms
  • Establish a baseline measurement of skin condition, immune markers (like frequency of colds), and digestive health before starting any new supplement, then reassess monthly for at least 3 months to detect meaningful changes

This research is preliminary laboratory work and has not been tested in humans. The findings should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seaweed-based products are not currently approved by the FDA for medical use. If you have skin conditions, immune disorders, digestive issues, or take blood-thinning medications, consult your healthcare provider before using any seaweed-derived supplements. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.