Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Algin, alginic acid, black-tang, bladder, bladder fucus, Blasen-tang, calcium, common seawrack, cut weed, Dyers fucus, Fucaceae (family), fucophorethols, Fucus, Fucus Plus®, Fucus vesiculosus, Hai-ts'ao, iodine, kelp, kelpware, knotted wrack, magnesium, Meereiche, mucopolysaccharides, phenolics, phloroglucinol, phlorotannins, phosphonyl glycosyl ester diglycerides, popping wrack, potassium, Quercus marina, red fucus, rockrack, rockweed, schweintang, sea kelp, sea oak, seetang, seaware, seaweed, sea wrack, sodium alginate, sulphonyl ester diglycerides, sulphuryl ester diglycerides, swine tang, tang, trace metals, Varech vesiculeux, vraic, wrack.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Fucusvesiculosus is a brown seaweed of the family Fucaceae that grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the North and Baltic seas. Its name is sometimes used to refer to Ascophyllum nodosum, another brown seaweed that grows alongside Fucus vesiculosus. These species are often components of kelp preparations along with other types of seaweed.
• Fucusvesiculosus, also commonly referred to as bladderwrack, has traditionally been used to treat disorders of the thyroid gland and as a component of weight loss formulas. It has also been shown in pre-clinical studies to possess anticoagulant and hypoglycemic properties. However, current review of the literature does not reveal clinical trial evidence in support of (or against) the efficacy of bladderwrack for any use in humans.
• The active ingredients of bladderwrack have not been fully identified, and little research exists on its components. Therefore, most pharmacological activities attributed to F. vesiculosus are generally recognized for brown seaweed species and are not specific to F. vesiculosus.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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