Reducing flu severity: Marinova investigates fucoidan’s potential against COVID-19

13 May 2020 --- Marinova’s Maritech fucoidan, a natural compound derived from seaweed, can reduce flu severity by significantly reducing clinical symptoms and lung damage in a severe influenza A H1N1 model, according to a new mouse study funded by the Australian biotechnology company. The reduction of both symptoms and lung damage in the form of consolidation observed in the study points to the potential for fucoidan to be utilized in nutritional supplements to manage viral infections where lung damage occurs. The company is now screening the in vitro activity of Maritech fucoidan with regard to COVID-19.

“This latest research is exciting as it adds to previous data in the literature demonstrating that fucoidan inhibits damage in influenza models. Lung consolidation is a common adverse effect of severe viral lung infections in which fluid fills the alveoli of the lungs and therefore interferes with vital gas exchange. The results indicate the potential for fucoidan in supporting lung function when they are impaired by a viral infection,” Marinova’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Helen Fitton, tells NutritionInsight.

The higher dose of UPF reduced the severity of lung consolidation scores, the study found.The study aimed to discover if fucoidan can inhibit lung damage via inhibition of the virus and Dr. Fitton states she was surprised that her team was able to reduce lung pathology significantly in this severe model of the flu. The researchers gave a low (3.52 mg/day) and a high dose (7.04 mg/day) of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan (UPF) – equivalent to a human dose rate of around 1 or 2 g daily – to two groups of ten mice, next to an untreated control group. On day 0, all animals were given a single intranasal dose of H1N1 PR8 influenza virus, after which they showed signs of viral lung damage leading to hemorrhage, necrosis and immune cell infiltration.

The following parameters were each scored on a four point scale (where 0 = normal, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe): Bronchitis or bronchiolitis (including epithelial necrosis), interstitial inflammation, alveolitis, pleuritis, hemorrhage, perivascular/peribronchiolar lymphoid aggregate formation.

The research team observed “a significant reduction in lung consolidation scores” when UPF was administered at the same time as the viral infection. However, to significantly reduce clinical scores and lung consolidation, the higher of the two doses was required. Furthermore, the mice treated with either dose of UPF showed weight loss from day three following infection, which continued at a similar rate to that observed in the untreated animals. 

Depicted are four lungs chosen at random from each study group, followed by the score for gross lung pathology, which relates to the area of darker color. Investigating Maritech for COVID-19
Although COVID-19 is a different virus to Influenza A, both conditions can result in severe viral lung infection, says Dr. Fitton. Marinova has previously studied the effects of Maritech fucoidan on some coronaviruses, but has yet to investigate the relation between Maritech fucoidan and the novel coronavirus. “Marinova has noted little activity in comparison to the extent observed with other viruses, such as influenza, herpes, human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.”

Indeed, further research is required to ascertain the effectiveness of fucoidan in humans, and particularly for COVID-19 patients. “Marinova is now screening the in vitro activity of Maritech fucoidan with regard to COVID-19. In recent weeks, we have been liaising with leading research institutions and national authorities to test Maritech fucoidan against COVID-19. The work being undertaken in this area aligns with ongoing research being conducted by Marinova examining the effects of Maritech fucoidan on respiratory illness,” Dr. Fitton affirms. 

Under the fucoidan sea
Fucoidans are a class of fucose-rich sulfated carbohydrates found in brown marine algae and echinoderms. They are known to inhibit infection by viruses, including herpes, and have previously been shown to have direct antiviral activity via the inhibition of viral attachment, entry and replication, against a range of influenza viruses. 

“An extensive body of evidence supports the understanding that fucoidan exerts a range of beneficial effects on the human immune system,” notes Dr. Fitton. Indeed, research has shown that fucoidan can limit cancer cells in their ability to make proteins, utilize energy and repair damage to themselves. Marinova highlights the seaweed-derived bioactive extract’s potential as an adjunct to cancer treatment. Maritech fucoidan can also inhibit the production of critical pro-inflammatory biomarkers that are clinically relevant in acute and chronic gut condition as well as heal damaged brain tissue. 

By Anni Schleicher