Biotech firm Marinova reports seaweed extract eases prostate symptoms

Australian biotechnology company Marinova disclosed results of a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of a high‑purity fucoidan supplement in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eighty‑eight participants aged 45‑80 were given either the fucoidan derived from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida or a placebo for 90 days.

Compared with placebo, the fucoidan group experienced clinically significant improvements in overall BPH symptoms, more than a nine‑fold reduction in voiding symptoms, a two‑fold reduction in storage symptoms, and a marked enhancement in quality of life. The study, overseen by lead researcher Dr Barbara Wimmer, reported no safety concerns. Findings were published in the journal Research and Reports in Urology.