Seaweed is an important source of nutrients. Red seaweed is a group of seaweeds that contain unique cellular structures and particular chemical constituents. In particular, sulphated polysaccharides from red seaweed have attracted attention for their health effects. In red seaweed, the sulphated polysaccharides have been shown to interact with the central nervous system. For example, the seaweed Gracilaria cornea has been observed to have antinociceptive effect due to the sulphated polysaccharides it contains. Studies have also investigated the mood stabilising effects of sulphated polysaccharides from red algae. For example in one study, researchers administered sulphated polysaccharides to mice via injection. The results from the study showed that the sulphated polysaccharides were significantly beneficial at reducing the anxious behaviour of the mice. Based on data collected by the authors, they suggested that the mechanism of action of the seaweed extracts were through activation of the GABA receptors.
Sulfated polysaccharides from plants have been shown to have neuroprotective effects, antioxidant effects, immune modulatory effects and can interact with the central nervous system. This makes them likely candidates as mood stabilising agents.
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