A type of seaweed recently discovered in Fiji could someday be used to fight bacterial infections, cancer or even AIDS.
The red species (known for it's antibacterial and antivirual attributes) is found on shallow coral reefs along the South Pacific island's coastline. Researchers studying the plant identified ten new compounds that might be developed for pharmaceutical use. Some of the compounds show promise as antibacterial fighters - even mutated strains that are resistant to current antibiotics.
The more startling find is one of the compounds seems to trigger cell auto destruction in cancer cells. The compound was able to completely kill a tumor with massive doses. There in lies the problem. Massive does of the compound can harm organs in the human body.
"We can cure cancer with a shotgun, so curing cancer isn't the problem. Curing cancer without harming the patient is a whole different thing that's very very difficult to figure out."
The power of seaweed comes from it's abilities to create molecules and compounds for reproduction, defense and disease resistance. The compounds can deter predators by poisoning them, slowly their growth, sterilizing them or even killing them. If seaweed is so good for the body, ever wonder why more marine animals aren't eating them? Its precisely because the seaweed can quickly adapt and change the molecular content of it's fleshy leaves to poison those that try and eat it.
When I read stories like this, it fascinates me and reinforces the idea that nature has already created the solves to many of the diseases that challenge us; its just a matter of discovering them. Unfortunately, researchers believe it will be ten more years before any drug based off the red seaweed will make it to market - thats a lifetime for those who need it now.