Researchers have claimed that a Philippine seaweed has some of the properties of the Japanese fucoidan, used to treat cancer and inflammation, and could serve as a substitute for the more expensive Japanese variant. Ross D. Vasquez, administrator of the University of Santo Tomas Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Office (LESO) and a Professor, was the lead researcher for the study alongside Ariane Marie G. Bayro and Mary Jho-Anne T. Corpuz. The group studied a form of seaweed used to prepare the Ilocano dish pukpuklo. “My group is doing research on marine polysaccharides, like carageenans and fucoidan, and we are looking for a local counterpart of the very expensive fucoidan, which is well-known for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties,” Mr. Vasquez said.

Ignacio, R. J. (2019, April 1). UST team researching seaweed cancer treatment. Business World, p. S2/7.