Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ascophyllum nodosum, a type of brown seaweed, has been investigated for its potential benefits in supporting cardiovascular health, including hypertension management. The scientific rationale behind its use centers on its content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols (notably phlorotannins), dietary fibers (alginate and fucoidan), and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Ascophyllum nodosum may inhibit angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays a key role in blood pressure regulation. Limited human clinical trials have produced preliminary evidence that seaweed supplementation may modestly reduce blood pressure in adults, but most studies are small, short-term, or use mixtures of seaweeds rather than Ascophyllum nodosum alone.

A handful of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported mild reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but results are inconsistent and the quality of evidence is low. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory agencies do not recognize Ascophyllum nodosum as an established treatment for hypertension due to insufficient robust human data. Thus, while there is some scientific interest and plausible mechanisms, the overall evidence remains preliminary and insufficient to recommend its use as a primary therapy for hypertension.

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