# Neurological Benefits of Seaweed-Derived Compounds

## TL;DR

Seaweed compounds show promise in preclinical models for neurological benefits, but human evidence is limited.

## Contribution

This review synthesizes current evidence on seaweed-derived compounds' neurological activities and highlights challenges for clinical translation.

## Key findings

- Seaweed extracts modulate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in preclinical models.
- Polysaccharides, polyphenols, and carotenoids from seaweed exhibit neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo.
- Human evidence remains scarce, with no clinical validation of neuroprotection or disease-modifying effects.

## Abstract

Seaweed represents a diverse group of marine organisms rich in bioactive compounds that have attracted interest for their potential relevance in neurological research. Recent studies highlight their ability to modulate neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and pathways implicated in neurodegeneration in preclinical models. Extracts from brown, red, and green algae contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, and fatty acids that exhibit neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo, although these findings remain limited to experimental systems. This review synthesizes current evidence on the neurological activities of seaweed-derived compounds, emphasizing mechanistic findings while clearly distinguishing between experimental observations and unvalidated clinical implications. Challenges related to bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical translation are discussed, alongside considerations for future research. Evidence in humans remains scarce and indirect, and no seaweed-derived compound has demonstrated neuroprotection or disease-modifying effects in clinical settings.