Fucus vesiculosus
(Bladderwrack, Kelp)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Antibiotic activity
• Anti-obesity agent, probably due to the effect on an underactive thyroid
• Diuretic
• Immunomodulatory
• Induces lymphocyte transformation
• Metabolic stimulant
• Supplies minerals and trace elements like iodine, in the form of inorganic salts or bound to proteins and lipids

Clinical Indications:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Hypothyroidism
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity associated with hypothyroidism
• Rheumatoid arthritis (external poultice)
• Any condition where fatigue is a complication

Contraindications:

• Goiter
• Graves disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Lactation
• Pregnancy

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Lithium carbonate enhances large doses of iodides found in bladderwrack

Chemical Constituents:

• Fucophorethols which are polyhydroxyoligophenylethers
• High molecular weight phlorotannin derivatives
• Iodine
• Mannitol
• Mucopolysaccharides including algin
• Mucilage
• Phenolic compounds:
  
  Free phloroglucinol
  Fucols
• Polar lipids
• Potassium
• Sulphuryl-, sulphonyl- and phosphonyl-glycosyl estr diglycerides
• Volatile oil

Toxicity:

• See contraindications

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).