Zostera Marina Extract
Also known as: Eelgrass, Common eelgrass, Zostera marina
Overview
Zostera marina, commonly known as eelgrass, is a marine seagrass species found in temperate coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. It plays a crucial ecological role by forming extensive underwater meadows that provide habitat, sequester carbon, and stabilize sediments. While extracts from Z. marina have been explored for potential bioactive compounds, its primary research focus is ecological and environmental, examining aspects like photosynthesis, stress responses, and ecosystem interactions. There is a significant lack of high-quality human clinical trials or nutritional supplement research on Zostera marina extract. Consequently, it is not considered a conventional dietary supplement ingredient, and its use in this context is not supported by scientific evidence.
Benefits
There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses that demonstrate clinical benefits of Zostera marina extract in humans. Ecological studies consistently show that Z. marina is vital for coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and nutrient cycling. While some research suggests that bioactive compounds found in seagrasses, such as phenolics and polysaccharides, may possess antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties, these findings are not specifically confirmed for Zostera marina extract in human clinical settings. Therefore, no evidence-based human health benefits can be attributed to Zostera marina extract as a supplement.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Zostera marina is primarily understood in ecological contexts. For instance, it exhibits photosynthetic adaptation to light stress, adjusting photosynthetic efficiency and electron transport rates under varying light conditions. While seagrasses generally contain potential bioactive compounds like phenolics and polysaccharides that might interact with oxidative stress pathways, specific molecular targets or mechanisms of action for Zostera marina extract in humans have not been established. Data regarding its absorption, bioavailability, or metabolic pathways in the human body are currently unavailable.
Side effects
There is no documented safety data or adverse effect profile from human clinical trials of Zostera marina extract. Due to the complete absence of human studies, the severity, frequency, and specific risk factors associated with its consumption are unknown. Given its marine origin, theoretical risks could include contamination with marine toxins or allergens, although no evidence currently supports these concerns. Furthermore, no known drug interactions or contraindications have been studied or identified for Zostera marina extract. Therefore, its safety for human consumption as a supplement remains entirely unestablished.
Dosage
There are no established dosing guidelines for Zostera marina extract as a supplement due to the complete lack of clinical research in humans. Consequently, there is no data available regarding a minimum effective dose, an optimal dosage range, or a maximum safe dose. Information on timing considerations, different dosages for various purposes, or the impact of formulation and absorption factors is also non-existent. Without any scientific basis, it is impossible to recommend any specific dosage or usage instructions for Zostera marina extract.
FAQs
Is Zostera marina extract effective as a supplement?
No, there is no clinical evidence from human studies to support the efficacy of Zostera marina extract as a supplement for any health benefit.
Is Zostera marina extract safe to consume?
The safety of Zostera marina extract for human consumption has not been evaluated in controlled studies, so its safety profile is unknown.
What benefits can be expected from Zostera marina extract?
Any known benefits of Zostera marina are ecological, such as its role in marine ecosystems; there are no proven human health benefits.
How should Zostera marina extract be taken?
There are no established dosing or administration guidelines for Zostera marina extract due to the lack of human research.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2018.00039/full – This experimental study investigated the photosynthetic responses of Zostera marina plants. It demonstrated the species' adaptation to light stress, showing increased light harvesting efficiency under shaded conditions. The research provides high-quality ecological data but is not relevant to human health or supplement efficacy.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2017.02119/full – This meta-analysis synthesized findings from multiple publications to assess the impact of bird herbivory on Zostera abundance. It highlighted ecological top-down effects within marine ecosystems. While a systematic review, its focus is purely ecological and does not pertain to human supplementation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12009562/ – This systematic review analyzed research trends and identified knowledge gaps across the Zostera genus. It emphasized the prevalence of studies on environmental stressors affecting Zostera. The review is comprehensive for ecological research but confirmed the absence of clinical trials relevant to human supplementation.