Prevent Plaque Formation

Fucoidan appears to inhibit smooth muscle cell activation; a process that plays a role in plaque formation.  Smooth-muscle tissues are a type of nonstriated muscle found in the walls of hollow organs, including blood vessels.  Smooth muscles move matter inside the body through contraction, which generally operates without thought or nerve stimulation.

Scientists have found that fucoidan helps inhibit smooth-muscle cell activation.  This is important for the prevention of restenosis- plaque buildup that renarrows an artery previously cleared by a procedure like angioplasty.