Chronic wounds are a serious health problem that affect millions of people around the world. In developed countries, about 2% of the population suffers from wounds that do not heal properly.
These wounds can last for months or even years, causing pain, infection, and high medical costs. Current treatments can be expensive and sometimes come with unwanted side effects. Because of this, scientists are searching for safer and more affordable solutions.
A new doctoral study from Tallinn University suggests that one answer may come from nature, especially from algae. The research was led by Amal D. Premarathna and shows that certain compounds found in seaweed and freshwater algae can support the body’s natural healing process.
Algae are simple plant-like organisms that grow in water. They are found in oceans, lakes, and even small ponds. While many people think of algae as just sea plants, they are actually rich in useful natural chemicals. One group of these chemicals is called polysaccharides. These are complex sugars that play many important roles in living systems.
In this study, researchers examined polysaccharides from different types of algae, including red, green, and brown seaweeds. These samples were collected from many parts of the world, such as Estonia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Canada. The team also studied algae from freshwater ponds in Estonia.
Using advanced laboratory methods, the researchers analyzed the structure of these natural compounds and tested how they affected human cells. They found that these polysaccharides can help in several ways. They can speed up wound healing, reduce inflammation, and protect skin cells from damage caused by sunlight.
One important finding was related to a compound called fucoidan, taken from brown seaweed. This substance helped protect skin cells from UV damage while also activating the immune system. This means it could be useful not only in medicine but also in skincare.
Another compound from red seaweed found in Estonia showed strong effects on skin repair. It helped skin cells move and grow faster, which is important for closing wounds. Without this process, wounds can remain open and become infected.
The study also found that algae from freshwater sources have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. This is important because long-lasting inflammation can slow down healing and make wounds worse.
The researchers discovered that the effectiveness of these natural compounds depends on their chemical structure. This means scientists may be able to design better treatments by selecting the right type of algae for specific needs.
The study also included tests on animals. The results showed that seaweed extracts helped wounds heal faster without causing harm to major organs like the liver or kidneys. This suggests that these treatments may be safe.
Chronic wound care is very costly. In the United States alone, it costs more than 25 billion dollars each year. Natural treatments made from algae could be cheaper and more widely available, especially in countries with limited healthcare resources.
In reviewing these findings, the study provides strong early evidence that algae-based treatments could become a valuable alternative to current wound care methods. The research is well supported by laboratory and animal data. However, it is still at an early stage. More studies are needed to test these treatments in humans and to develop practical medical products.
Overall, this research shows that nature may offer powerful tools for healing. With further development, algae-based treatments could provide safer, more affordable options for people with chronic wounds.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and Vitamin B3 could help prevent skin cancers.
For more health information, please see recent studies about vegetable oil linked to spread of cancer, and results showing Vitamin D could help treat skin inflammation.
Source: Tallinn University.
