Jolie Doan Student Pharmacist Spring 2022
BLADDERWRACK Scientific Name: Fucus Vesiculosus
Mechanism of Action
Common Names: Bladderwrack, Black Tang,
Through the metabolism of bladderwrack, one metabolite belongs to the class of phlorotannins, a class of phenolic compounds that are found exclusively in marine organisms. The subclasses of phlorotannins related to bladderwrack is called fucols and fucophlorethols. These phenolic compounds produce antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties.
Rockweed, “Sea Grapes,” Bladder Fucus, Sea Oak, Cut Weed, Dyers Fucus, Red Fucus, Rock Wrack
Background and History Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that is grown in high salinity waters, such as the Baltic Sea. This seaweed belongs to a class of plants called Fucus Vesiculosus. In East Asia, this plant is harvested and used as a nutritional source of food for centuries. It is unknown as to when the use of bladderwrack began. Currently, it is also being used in fertilizers, animal nutrition, and pest control.
Purported Uses Most Commonly Used For: • Inflammation • Hypothyroidism • Indigestion Other Uses: • Diabetes • Skin conditions • Cancers • Diarrhea • Constipation • Gastritis • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) • Heartburn • Wound Healing • Low Stomach Acidity • Weight Loss https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdra xe.com%2Fnutrition%2Fbladderwrack%2F&psig=AOvVaw2m G6pGwW9A66v8A1Or7lf&ust=1645843014831000&source=imag es&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOiOoK3pmfYCFQAAAAAd AAAAABAD
It also contains high levels of iodine. Iodine produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) to help regulate metabolism and hypothyroidism. A lack of thyroid hormones causes the body to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone.
Doses and Dosage Forms There is not much information regarding dosing of bladderwrack, so information that is found is through drug facts from store-bought bottles. Bladderwrack can be found in a few dosage forms: powdered, dried, capsules, or as a tea. Capsules: It is commonly seen throughout stores that bladderwrack is dosed at one capsule (580 MG) daily. Tea: Steep one bag for 4-5 minutes in eight ounces of hot water or add one teaspoon of dried bladderwrack to boiling water and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Bladderwrack. 21
