Bladderwrack
Botanical Description & Habitat
Fucus vesiculosis
Family
Fucaceae
Common Names
Black tang
Rockweed
Sea wrack
Habitat
Atlantic coast, North Sea, and the Baltic Sea; it is a seaweed found attached to rocks in the tidal regions.
Description
Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed resembling a slippery ribbon up to 3 feet in length and 1-2 inches wide. It attaches itself to stones in the tidal region by use of suction disks; oval bladders filled with air give the plant buoyancy. When torn from the rocks, the seaweed piles up onshore.
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant - dried as soon as possible after collection.
Historical Properties & Uses
Since bladderwrack is part of the kelp family, most of the information cited for kelp and algin also applies to this herb. Some general comments will be given in this section as well as any research that applies specifically to bladderwrack.
Bladderwrack has been described as an alterative, (as in treating scrofulous conditions), a hypotensive, and a stimulant. It has been used in treating arteriosclerosis (corresponding to earlier treatment with potassium chloride) and for treating iodine-deficiency ailments such as goiter and obesity. In homeopathy, it is used for obesity, scrofulosis, arteriosclerosis and hyperthyroidism.
This herb has not achieved approval status by the German Commission E. Either there was insufficient evidence in favor, or a contraindication.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Most of the activity of bladderwrack can be attributed to very high iodine content. Were it not for the unpleasant taste, this herb would likely be a better source of dietary iodine than table salt.
Bladderwrack has been shown to have high hypotensive activity. It has been generally considered an effective treatment for atherosclerosis.
Bladderwrack was shown to have antimitotic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
Veratrum alkaloids may potentiate the activity of bladderwrack up to 50%. The hypotensive effect of the herb may be potentiated by anorectic drugs, such as fenfluramine, whose effects are mediated by brainstem 5HT.
Bladderwrack should not be used with methotrimeprazine, a potent CNS depressant analgesic.
Additive effects may occur between the hypotensive property of bladderwrack and that of dopamine receptor agonists, such as bromocriptine mesylate.
Comments
The use of large amounts of bladderwrack on a continuous basis may partially block the digestion, absorption or resorption of a wide variety of drugs and fat-soluble vitamins.
Bladderwrack may potentiate the effects of oral coumarin anticoagulants, such as warfarin and dicumarol, to the extent it stimulates the liver to catabolize and excrete cholesterol and its by-products via the biliary route.
To minimize central nervous system depression and possible synergism, it would be wise to avoid using bladderwrack with procarbazine antineoplastic drugs.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
The toxicity level of bladderwrack has not been determined at this time.
The German Commission E notes the possibility for hyperthyroidism due to a daily dose in excess of 150 mcg of iodine.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
There is presently insufficient data on this subject.
References
Am Hospital Formulary Service. Am Soc of Hosp Pharm. Wash, D.C.
Azarnoff, D. & A. Hurwitz. 1970. Drug interactions. Pharmacol Physicians. 4(2). pp. 1-7.
Biard, J.F., et. al. Algues fixees de la cote atlantique francaise contenant des substances antibacteriennes et antifungiques. Planta Medica, Supplement, 136-151, 1980.
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Bressler, R., M.D. Bogdonoff & G.J. Subak-Sharpe. 1981. The Physicians Drug Manual. Doubleday & Co, Inc. Garden City, NY. 1213 pp.
Chenieuc, J.C., et. al. Alques fixees de la cote atlantique francaise contenant des substances antimitotiques. Planta Medica, Supplement. 152-162, 1980.
Committee on Pharmocopaeia of the Am Institute of Homeopathy, The Homeopathic Pharmacopaeia of the United States. 8th ed., Vol 1. Otis Clapp and Son, Agents, Boston, l981.
Drug package insert (FDA approved official brochure) and other labeling based on sponsored clinical investigations and New Drug Application data.
Goodman, L.S. & A. Gilman. 1975. Pharm Basis of Thera. Macmillan, NY.
Hansten, P.D. 1979. Drug Interactions, 4th ed. Lea & Febiger, Phila.
Kastrup, E.K., ed. 1981. Drug Facts and Comparisons, 1982 edition. Facts and Comparisions Division, J.P. Lippincott Co, Phila(St. Louis).
List, P. & L. Hoerhammer. 1969-1976. Hagers Hanbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, vols. 2-5. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Martin, E.W. 1978. Drug Interactions Index, 1978/79. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
Morrelli, H.F. & K.L. Melmon. 1968. The clinician's approach to drug interactions. California Medicine, 109(11). pp. 380-389.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Nassirov, H.M. Pharmacological properties of some plants of the family scrophulariaceae growing in Bashkiria. Farmakologia I Toxikologia, 34(6), 733-735, 1971.
Poller, L., et.al. 1969. Progesterone oral contraception and blood coagualation. British Medical Journal, 1. pp. 554-556.
Scientific Committee, British Herbal Pharmocopaeia, British Herbal Med Assoc, Lane House, Cowling, Na Keighley, West Yorks, Bd Bd220lx, l983
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