Page 95 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Fucus

It is the dried sea- weed obtained from Fucus vesiculosus L. (Bladder Wrack) or other
Fucus
species (F. serratus, etc..) and / or Ascophyllum nodosum (Knotted Wrack), Family
Fucaceae.
The air bladders paired in Fucus vesiculosus and single in Ascophyllum nodosum.
Odour: characteristic (sea- weed- like), fishy.

Taste: mucilaginous and salty.

Constituents:

1. Iodine in the form of inorganic salts and bound to proteins
2.Mucilaginous polysaccharides such as alginic acid, fucoidin, and laminarin.
3. Fucosterol

Uses

1. Fucus was formerly used for iodine therapy in thyroid
deficiency. But it is now obsolete. So, not used for fat removing
and slimming ( weight loss )
2. Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and is useful for a

variety of cosmetics.
3. Sodium laminarin sulphate is blood anticoagulant.

Safety:

Bladderwrack is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. Bladderwrack is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It contain high concentrations of iodine,
which could cause or worsen some thyroid problems.

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