Haliotis Extract
Also known as: Haliotis extract, Haliotis midae extract, Abalone extract, Blacklip abalone extract, Haliotis shell polysaccharide extract, Haliotis discus hannai extract
Overview
Haliotis extract is a marine-derived bioactive substance obtained from abalone mollusks, primarily species like *Haliotis discus hannai* and *Haliotis midae*. It is rich in bioactive compounds, notably sulphated polysaccharides and glycosaminoglycan-like molecules. Research indicates its potential for anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and antioxidant effects. The sulphated polysaccharides are believed to act on the intrinsic coagulation pathway, prolonging activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) without affecting prothrombin time (PT). Additionally, polysaccharides extracted from abalone shells have demonstrated antioxidant activity. While promising, the research on Haliotis extract is in its early to moderate stages, with most evidence stemming from preclinical and animal studies. Human clinical trials are limited, and no high-level systematic reviews on its clinical efficacy or safety in humans are currently available.
Benefits
Haliotis extract has shown several potential benefits, primarily in animal models. Its most prominent effect is significant anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity, demonstrated in rat models. Studies have shown a dose-dependent prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and tail bleeding time, with effects being statistically significant (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). For instance, aPTT in rats increased from 30.4 ± 0.01 s to 73.8 ± 0.03 s at a 20 mg/kg dose, indicating a strong anticoagulant effect. These effects are attributed to sulphated polysaccharides acting on the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Secondly, polysaccharides extracted from abalone shells (ASP-1) have exhibited antioxidant activity in biochemical characterization studies, suggesting a role in reducing oxidative stress. However, these antioxidant effects have primarily been observed in vitro, and their clinical relevance in living organisms is yet to be fully established. No significant effects on platelet aggregation or platelet count have been observed in animal studies. Currently, there are no human population studies available, meaning all observed benefits are limited to animal models and in vitro analyses, and thus, their applicability to humans remains unproven.
How it works
Haliotis extract primarily exerts its effects through its sulphated polysaccharides. These compounds are believed to mimic endogenous glycosaminoglycans, interacting with the intrinsic coagulation pathway. This interaction leads to a prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) without affecting prothrombin time (PT) or thrombin time (TT), indicating a selective modulation of specific factors within the intrinsic coagulation cascade. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, intrinsic coagulation factors such as VIII, IX, XI, and XII are implicated. Beyond coagulation, certain polysaccharides from abalone shells also exhibit antioxidant activity, likely through direct free radical scavenging mechanisms. Oral administration in rats has demonstrated sufficient bioavailability for these anticoagulant effects to manifest for up to 6 hours post-dose, suggesting that the active compounds can be absorbed and distributed to exert their biological functions.
Side effects
The overall safety assessment for Haliotis extract is limited due to a lack of human clinical data. Based on animal studies, no significant adverse effects have been reported. Specifically, studies in rats did not observe any negative impacts on platelet number or aggregation, suggesting a relatively benign profile in the context of acute administration. However, common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans are currently unknown. There are no established drug interactions, but given its demonstrated anticoagulant properties in animal models, a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications exists. Caution is advised for individuals on such medications. Contraindications are not established, but its anticoagulant activity suggests it should be used with prudence in individuals with bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery. No specific safety considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, children, individuals with pre-existing conditions) are available, highlighting the need for further research before human use can be recommended.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Haliotis extract in humans is currently unknown, as all available data are derived from animal studies. In rats, anticoagulant effects were observed starting at a minimum effective dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. Dose-dependent effects were noted up to 20 mg/kg in rats. The maximum safe dose for humans has not been established. In animal models, effects were observed to persist for up to 6 hours following oral administration, suggesting a potential dosing frequency if translated to humans. The extract is typically prepared as an aqueous extract rich in sulphated polysaccharides, often involving ethanol precipitation. Oral bioavailability has been demonstrated in animal models, but human absorption factors and required cofactors are yet to be determined. Due to the lack of human data, any self-administration or use of Haliotis extract is not recommended without further clinical research and professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Haliotis extract safe for human use?
Currently, there is no human safety data available. Animal studies suggest no acute toxicity, but human clinical trials are essential to confirm safety and efficacy.
Can it be used as a blood thinner?
Animal studies show anticoagulant effects by prolonging aPTT. However, its clinical efficacy and safety as a blood thinner in humans are unproven and require further research.
How quickly does it work?
In rat models, anticoagulant effects were observed within hours after oral administration, persisting for up to 6 hours post-dose.
Is it effective as an antioxidant?
Polysaccharides from abalone shells have shown antioxidant activity in in vitro biochemical studies. Its clinical relevance as an antioxidant in humans is currently unknown.
Are there any known drug interactions?
No specific drug interactions have been studied. However, due to its anticoagulant properties in animals, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with blood-thinning medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5577595/ – This animal study investigated the anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects of Haliotis discus hannai visceral extract in rats. It found dose-dependent prolongation of aPTT and tail bleeding time, with no effect on PT or platelet aggregation, and demonstrated oral bioavailability of the active compounds.
- https://geneticsmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/4883.pdf – This biochemical study focused on the isolation and characterization of antioxidant polysaccharides from abalone shells. It identified the biochemical composition of these polysaccharides, confirming their antioxidant properties in vitro, but did not involve clinical testing.