Some research has been indicative that an extract of Fucus vesiculosus, which is a type of seaweed, promotes the contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gels through increased expression of integrin molecules. In this study, the effects of topical application of an aqueous extract of this algea on the thickness and the mechanical properties of human skin was investigated, in large, to vet the anti aging impact of the botanical extract on aging skin.
A gel formulation that included 1% of the extract was applied topically to human cheek skin twice daily for five weeks. A significant decrease in skin thickness measured by B-mode ultrasound was elicited, as was a significant improvement in elasticity measured with a Cutometer as compared with controls. In cheek skin, the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age. These results suggest that the Fucus vesiculosus extract possesses anti-aging activities and should be useful for a variety of cosmetics.
While brown algae species known for its highest content of bio-active molecules across various algae species, fucus vesiculus and ascophyllum nodosum have been found to be more rich in antioxidants, phenolic content and free radical scavenger properties by virtue of their richness in DPPH (2-2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate, studies discovered. This confers the two brown algaes a merit to be utilized in treatment of metabolic syndrome and prevent wide range of aggravating outcomes, study confirms.
Fucus vesiculus has been known for other salinet properties on the skin, amongst them, inhibition of growth on melanoma cells can be named. Fucus vesiculus exerted this response via activiation of caspases and induction of apoptosis.
Another study insinuates use of this ingredient for treatment of cellulitis as more proof emerges endorsing antiadipogenic activity of this algae species. Fucus vesiculus has been formulated in a mixture with retinoids to promote collagen synthesis by induction of procollagen to correct lipolysis implicated in cellulite formation. While long term efficacy of this preparation has not been tested in any clinical study, some pilot studies provide mediocre evidence for its use in treatment of skin diseases.
With emergence of more bacterial resistance to common antibiotics, more search for alternatives which control bacterial dysbiosis grows more indispensable. Fucus vesiculus has been shown having bacteriostatic effect against E.coli, staphyloccocus aureus and staphyloccocus epidermidis with MIC in range of 4-6 mg/ml.
