Fucoidan is a substance found in the cell walls of certain seaweed species that is used medicinally for a wide variety of health purposes. You might take fucoidan to help treat high blood pressure, infections or allergies. Consult your doctor before you begin using fucoidan to discuss the correct dosage, as well as the potential side effects, drug interactions and other health risks.

Effects

Like kelp, fucoidan is sometimes recommended to help treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Fucoidan may also help treat allergies, bacterial and viral infections, and inflammation, as well as help to stimulate your immune system, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Similarly, bladderwrack -- a type of brown seaweed from which fucoidan is derived -- can help to treat wounds and prevent infections, says the University of Michigan Health System. Kelp, another type of brown seaweed containing fucoidan, is sometimes recommended for treating viral infections like herpes, common colds and influenza, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Talk with your physician before using fucoidan or any type of brown seaweed for medicinal purposes.