Scientific Frontline waxes optimistic about Flinders University research into the youth-prolonging properties of washed-up Australian brown seaweed – specifically, as a source of collagens that can protect skin against the loss of both collagen and elastin:
Professor [Wei] Zhang explains the Flinders team has found that extracts from SA’s brown seaweed not only stimulated the growth of collagen, but also inhibited a process called glycation, which leads to the deterioration of collagen and elastin.
“So far anti-glycation agents haven’t been strong enough to have a major impact on anti-aging, so our discovery is really exciting as we can see the potential to develop stronger anti-glycation extracts from brown seaweed.”
The study evaluated the anti-aging qualities of extracts from three South Australian seaweeds – Ecklonia radiata, Cystophora moniliformis, and Cystophora siliquosa – that were collected from freshly deposited beach-cast seaweeds in Rivoli Bay, Beachport, South Australia.
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“Our findings will help to fill knowledge gaps and sustainably develop brown seaweed advancement in topical and supplement skincare products. A patent has been filed and the team is looking for investors and industry partners to collaborate for further commercialization,” says Professor Zhang.
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You can read more of Zhang’s research here, in Algal Research.