Fucoidan: A Promising Natural Therapeutic Agent for Protecting Human Kidney Health

• Fucoidan exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects in kidney protection. • Antioxidant properties effectively reduce oxidative stress in renal tissues. • Enhances renal function by improving blood flow and diuresis. • Promising therapeutic potential in managing chronic kidney disease progression. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global public health burden, affecting over 800 million individuals worldwide and being associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The progressive nature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating expensive renal replacement therapies. As conventional pharmacological treatments often fail to effectively arrest disease progression, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on fucoidan derived from brown seaweeds, which has garnered considerable attention due to its diverse biological activities. Traditionally used in East Asian medicine, fucoidan exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for renal protection. This review explores the mechanisms by which fucoidan supports kidney health, including the attenuation of oxidative stress, suppression of inflammation, and inhibition of renal fibrosis. In addition, the effects of fucoidan on renal hemodynamics and its potential benefits in managing common CKD-associated comorbidities are discussed. Despite encouraging preclinical and clinical evidence, challenges such as limited bioavailability and the need for dosage optimization remain barriers to its widespread clinical application. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the renoprotective effects of fucoidan, highlight ongoing research, and identify future directions for its integration into CKD management strategies. By elucidating the therapeutic potential of fucoidan, this work seeks to advance the development of effective natural interventions for kidney health.