Besides having a funny name, bladderwrack, or Fucus vesiculosus, is a brown sea vegetable used in the treatment of medical conditions and in cosmetics. Although this plant is used for many health conditions, research has yet to determine its effectiveness, and in some cases it may be dangerous. MedlinePlus considers bladderwrack as "possibly unsafe." Consult a qualified health care provider to discuss whether bladderwrack is an option for you.
Thyroid Disease
The thyroid stores up to 80 percent of the body's iodine. Because bladderwrack is high in iodine, some have used it to treat goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, sometimes caused by an iodine deficiency. In combination with other thyroid medications, bladderwrack may cause thyroid levels do be too low. An overabundance of iodine can cause thyroid hormone production to stop.
Cancer
The American Cancer Society reports that the incidence of breast cancer is lower in women who regularly consume seaweed. American women have a higher rate of breast cancer and a shorter life expectancy after breast cancer than do Japanese women. The ACS states that there may be multiple causal factors besides seaweed consumption that influence the cancer rates, such as overall lifestyle habits. A specific type of seaweed is not mentioned. Because of the possible effects on estrogen-related cancers, researchers conducted a study, published in August 2004 in the online journal "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine," that investigated the effects of bladderwrack on three premenopausal women with irregular menstrual cycles. The women all experienced longer than normal menstrual cycles. One woman's cycle went from her average 16 day cycle to 26 days. The other two women experienced four and five day increases in their normal cycle. The women reported lighter and shorter menstruating periods. More research is neede,d but the results are promising that dietary bladderwrack may be used in the treatment of abnormal menses and other estrogen-related diseases such as breast cancer.
Cosmetics
Bladderwrack is often used in cosmetic products for skin due to its high mineral content and skin conditioning properties says "Yoga Journal" contributor, Laurel Kallenbach. She reports that seaweed has qualities that detoxify and condition the skin while improving elasticity, healing and cell health. A study published in the August 2009 issue of "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" tested the extracts of 21 various plants, including bladderwrack, for their ability to improve elasticity and act as antioxidants. The authors of the study report that bladderwrack was among the nine out of 21 plants that supported healthy elasticity and collagen levels.
Warnings
More research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of bladderwrack. It should not be used in combination with blood thinning medication, thyroid medication, or iodine supplements. Bladderwrack and other seaweeds contain organic arsenic and should be used under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
References
- MedlinePlus: Bladderwrack
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Iodine
- Drugs.com: Seaweed
- American Cancer Society: Sea Vegetables
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; The Effect of Fucus Vesiculosus, an Edible Brown Seaweed, Upon Menstrual Cycle Length and Hormonal Status in Three Pre-menopausal Women: A Case Report; Christine F. Skibola; August 2004
- "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase and Anti-oxidant Activities of Extracts from 21 Plants; Tamsyn S. A. Thring, et al; August 2009
Member Comments