Background
- Carrageenans are carbohydrates extracted from red seaweeds (such as Irish moss) and other sources. Irish moss grows around Ireland, as well as other coasts in Europe, and the Atlantic coasts of the United States. The Irish moss popularly used as a ground cover (Sagina subulata) is not the same as the Irish moss discussed in this monograph (Chondrus crispus).
- Traditionally, carrageenan has been taken by mouth to soothe mucous membranes and as a laxative. Extracts of carrageenan have been used as food additives for hundreds of years. Carrageenan is currently used as a thickener and stabilizer for a wide range of foods, and is also used in personal hygiene products and drugs.
- Carrageenan may lower lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) and blood sugar levels. Although not well studied in humans, carrageenan-based gels may help prevent HIV transmission.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Bonferoni, MC, Chetoni, P, Giunchedi, P, et al. Carrageenan-gelatin mucoadhesive systems for ion-exchange based ophthalmic delivery: in vitro and preliminary in vivo studies. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2004;57(3):465-472.
View Abstract - Borthakur, A, Bhattacharyya, S, Dudeja, PK, et al. Carrageenan induces interleukin-8 production through distinct Bcl10 pathway in normal human colonic epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest.Liver Physiol 2007;292(3):G829-G838.
View Abstract - Buck, CB, Thompson, CD, Roberts, JN, et al. Carrageenan is a potent inhibitor of papillomavirus infection. PLoS Pathog. 2006;2(7):e69.
View Abstract - Carlucci, MJ, Scolaro, LA, and Damonte, EB. Herpes simplex virus type 1 variants arising after selection with an antiviral carrageenan: lack of correlation between drug susceptibility and syn phenotype. J Med Virol. 2002;68(1):92-98.
View Abstract - Coggins, C, Blanchard, K, Alvarez, F, et al. Preliminary safety and acceptability of a carrageenan gel for possible use as a vaginal microbicide. Sex Transm Infect. 2000;76(6):480-483.
View Abstract - Cummins, JE, Jr, Guarner, J, Flowers, L, et al. Preclinical testing of candidate topical microbicides for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 activity and tissue toxicity in a human cervical explant culture. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007;51(5):1770-1779.
View Abstract - Elias, CJ, Coggins, C, Alvarez, F, et al. Colposcopic evaluation of a vaginal gel formulation of iota-carrageenan. Contraception 1997;56(6):387-389.
View Abstract - Kilmarx, PH, van de Wijgert, JH, Chaikummao, S, et al. Safety and acceptability of the candidate microbicide Carraguard in Thai Women: findings from a Phase II Clinical Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 11-1-2006;43(3):327-334.
View Abstract - Ogino, M, Majima, M, Kawamura, M, et al. Increased migration of neutrophils to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy: roles of complement, bradykinin, and inducible cyclooxygenase-2. Inflamm Res. 1996;45(7):335-346.
View Abstract - Panlasigui, LN, Baello, OQ, Dimatangal, JM, et al. Blood cholesterol and lipid-lowering effects of carrageenan on human volunteers. Asia Pac.J.Clin.Nutr. 2003;12(2):209-214.
View Abstract - Perotti, ME, Pirovano, A, and Phillips, DM. Carrageenan formulation prevents macrophage trafficking from vagina: implications for microbicide development. Biol Reprod. 2003;69(3):933-939.
View Abstract - Raouf, AH, Hildrey, V, Daniel, J, et al. Enteral feeding as sole treatment for Crohn's disease: controlled trial of whole protein v amino acid based feed and a case study of dietary challenge. Gut 1991;32(6):702-707.
View Abstract - Schaeffer, DJ and Krylov, VS. Anti-HIV activity of extracts and compounds from algae and cyanobacteria. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2000;45(3):208-227.
View Abstract - Tobacman, JK, Wallace, RB, and Zimmerman, MB. Consumption of carrageenan and other water-soluble polymers used as food additives and incidence of mammary carcinoma. Med Hypotheses 2001;56(5):589-598.
View Abstract - Vlieghe, P, Clerc, T, Pannecouque, C, et al. Synthesis of new covalently bound kappa-carrageenan-AZT conjugates with improved anti-HIV activities. J.Med.Chem. 3-14-2002;45(6):1275-1283.
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