Caulerpa Okamurae Extract
Also known as: Caulerpa okamurae, Green marine macroalgae extract, Caulerpa okamurae Extract
Overview
Caulerpa okamurae is a species of green seaweed, a marine macroalgae, recognized for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and polyphenols. Extracts from this algae are currently under investigation for their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and metabolic regulatory properties. While research is still in its early stages, primarily involving in vitro and animal models, the findings suggest promising bioactivities. However, extensive clinical validation in humans is largely absent, with some early-stage human trials focusing on related species. The extract is not yet widely standardized or used in commercial supplements, and its applications remain largely experimental, awaiting more robust clinical evidence.
Benefits
Caulerpa okamurae extract exhibits several potential benefits, primarily identified through preclinical research. It demonstrates **anti-inflammatory effects** by reducing inflammatory markers in macrophage cell lines (RAW 264.7) without cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 200 μg/mL, suggesting a role in mitigating periodontal and systemic inflammation. Its **anti-obesity potential** is inferred from studies on related species like *Caulerpa lentillifera*, which showed reduced fat accumulation in *C. elegans* models, implying similar mechanisms for *C. okamurae* through bioactive compounds. The extract also shows promise in **metabolic regulation**, modulating glucose metabolism and enhancing insulin sensitivity in adipocyte and macrophage cell models, which could be beneficial for metabolic syndrome and diabetes management. While not directly studied for *C. okamurae*, research on a related brown algae (*Ishige okamurae*) for **musculoskeletal support** in older adults suggests broader benefits within the algae family. Quantitative effect sizes are not well-established for *C. okamurae* due to limited clinical data, but preclinical studies show statistically significant cellular effects.
How it works
The mechanism of action for *Caulerpa okamurae* extract is attributed to its complex mixture of bioactive compounds, with 68 distinct peaks identified by HPLC, suggesting synergistic effects. Its **anti-inflammatory effects** are believed to involve the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and adipocytes, primarily by reducing the activation of the NF-κB pathway. The **anti-obesity effects** may stem from the modulation of lipid metabolism and inhibition of fat accumulation pathways, potentially through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibition of adipogenesis, as observed in related species. Furthermore, the extract appears to enhance **insulin sensitivity** by regulating glucose uptake and metabolism within adipocytes. The exact absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in humans are not yet well-characterized, though marine polysaccharides often have limited oral bioavailability, potentially acting locally in the gut or through their metabolites.
Side effects
Overall, *Caulerpa okamurae* extract appears to have a good safety profile in preclinical studies. In vitro studies show no cytotoxicity at tested doses up to 200 μg/mL in macrophage cell lines, and no toxicity was observed in *C. elegans* models even at high doses. Currently, there are no significant side effects reported in preclinical research. Due to the limited human data, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications documented for *Caulerpa okamurae* extract. However, safety data for specific populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, and children, are completely lacking. Human safety data are largely extrapolated from trials involving related algae species, which generally report good tolerability. As such, caution is advised, and further human clinical trials are needed to comprehensively assess its safety profile, potential adverse effects, and interactions in diverse populations.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for *Caulerpa okamurae* extract in humans due to the absence of clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 200 μg/mL in in vitro experiments. While related species have been investigated in human trials, with oral supplementation doses administered over 12 weeks, specific dosages for *C. okamurae* are not available. The optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., crude extract versus isolated compounds) remain undetermined. Until robust human clinical trials are conducted, any use of *Caulerpa okamurae* extract would be experimental, and specific dosage recommendations cannot be provided.
FAQs
Is Caulerpa okamurae extract safe?
Preclinical data suggest safety at tested doses in cell and animal models. However, human safety data are limited, though extracts from related algae species are generally well-tolerated.
Does it help with weight loss?
Evidence for weight loss is preliminary, primarily from animal models and related species. Human efficacy for weight loss is currently unproven and requires further research.
How does it reduce inflammation?
It reduces inflammation by modulating macrophage activity and downregulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, likely through pathways like NF-κB inhibition.
Are there clinical trials for Caulerpa okamurae extract?
No completed randomized controlled trials specifically on *Caulerpa okamurae* extract exist. Some related algae species are currently under investigation in human trials.
What are the main benefits of Caulerpa okamurae extract?
Preclinical studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory effects, anti-obesity properties, and benefits in metabolic regulation, including improved insulin sensitivity.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12192492/ – This in vitro study investigated *Caulerpa okamurae* extract's anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. It found the extract to be non-toxic up to 200 μg/mL and effective in attenuating inflammatory responses, suggesting a complex bioactive profile responsible for these effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10672060/ – This research, focusing on a related species (*Caulerpa lentillifera*), demonstrated that its extract was non-toxic and reduced fat accumulation in *C. elegans* models. This provides mechanistic insight into potential anti-obesity effects that may be shared by *Caulerpa okamurae*.
- http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/10.1016/j.joim.2020.02.001 – This in vitro study explored the effects of *Caulerpa okamurae* extract on adipocyte and macrophage cell lines. It reported improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation, indicating potential benefits for metabolic health and glucose regulation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1015351/full – This article describes the protocol for a planned randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of *Ishige okamurae* (a related brown algae) extract on muscle strength and mass in older adults. While not directly on *Caulerpa okamurae*, it highlights ongoing clinical research into the benefits of marine algae extracts.
