Fucoxanthin Processing

Carotenoids are one of three major classes of photosynthetic pigments common in algae. Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid. Fucoxanthin and chlorophyll both reside in brown algae and the most common form of extraction is in an acetone extraction. Fucoxanthin is available as an extraction of brown seaweed supplement or through the consumption of fresh or dehydrated brown seaweed.

Organic solvents are most commonly used in the extraction method to release Fucoxanthin from brown algae. Acetone, methanol and DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) are the most widely used organic solvents in the extraction process. The extraction technique interrupts the integrity of the cell walls enabling the pigment molecules to escape. The more the cellular structure is disrupted the more Fucoxanthin is released.

One commonly used method freezes the seaweed tissue with liquid nitrogen. After freezing, the tissue is ground frozen in a blender or mortar and pestle. This method of freezing works particularly well for the somewhat slimy brown seaweed. Freezing also aids in the breakdown of the cells membranes further releasing Fucoxanthin. Once finely ground, the tissue is homogenized in one of three commonly used organic solvents. This furthers disrupts the cellular membranes and helps remove the most Fucoxanthin pigment molecules.

Because some types of Fucoxanthin rich brown algae are particularly rubbery, they present certain problems in the extraction process. Therefore a specialized extraction process has been developed to remove Fucoxanthin from some brown algae. The first step in this specialized process is to the rinse the algae sections in distilled water, then blot dry. Once dry the segment should be weighted and placed in a test tube or other container. To this, a measured amount of DMSO is added and should cover the seaweed section. This will be left to sit in the dark for a short period of time. Next, the section will be removed and washed again with a measured amount of distilled water; this distilled water is then added to the DMSO solution. The seaweed segment is placed in a clean container with a measured amount of 100% acetone and left in the dark for a substantially longer period. Both mixtures, DMSO and acetone will contain Fucoxanthin pigment and each will be measures separately. These solutions will then be left to evaporate, what remains is dry Fucoxanthin pigment.

Fucoxanthin extracts are widely sold today in many forms including gel caps and caplets. These are most commonly sold in 250mg and 500 mg. Some of these supplements will be mixed with other natural ingredients and others contain only Fucoxanthin.

Fresh brown seaweed is a valuable source of Fucoxanthin. The most commonly sold edible brown seaweed is Wakame and is rich in Fucoxanthin. Wakame can be bought dried in vacuum packed pouches and will be rehydrated in water. Wakame is also available in dried flake form and its uses do not require rehydration. Raw Wakame is available at many Korean supermarkets and online. Most fresh Fucoxanthin rich Wakame is harvested from two areas of Japan. Naruto, in Tokushima Prefecture is known for Wakame that is thin and tender. It requires little cooking and is considered a popular choice for fresh salads. Wakame grown along the Pacific coast of Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures is fleshier, has a sweet mild flavor and is great in stews. Other popular cooking methods include simmering and braising.

Fucoxanthin is available is supplement form or Fresh. Supplements provide a higher intake of Fucoxanthin than fresh and dried brown seaweed provide. Both however are excellent choices for Fucoxanthin despite inconclusive results regarding recent health claims and benefits.

Sources:
ALGAL PIGMENTS
SpringerLink

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