Research progress on the protective effects of fucoidan against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction (Review)

The intestinal tract is one of the main organs responsible for digestion and absorption, and it also func‐ tions as a congenital barrier to maintain the homeostasis of the internal environment of the body. Damage to the intes‐ tinal mucosal barrier is closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. As a natural food product, fucoidan has a number of biological activities. In recent years, it has been found that it exerts certain protec‐ tive effects on intestinal physical, chemical, immune and microbial barriers. In the present review article, the role and mechanisms of action of fucoidan in protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier from damage are summarized and discussed. It is hoped that the information presented herein, may shed light onto the functions of fucoidan and may aid its use as a protective strategy against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction.