Aosa seaweed (Monostroma nitidum) contains rhamnan sulfate, a sulfated polysaccharide that show potential to support microcirculation by protecting vascular endothelium, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting coagulation factors. This is a food and a substance previously unknown to me. it was brought to my attention when I researched ways to protect microcirculation, vascular endothelium and the glycocalyx. I find almost only research from japan. And very limited human research. Input or experiences from the forum is appreciated.
Capillary aging involves endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and glycocalyx degradation, which rhamnan sulfate counters by reducing NF-κB activity, enhancing barrier function, and limiting hyperpermeability in hyperglycemic models linked to accelerated vascular aging, Rhamnan sulfate mitigates hippocampal atrophy and TNF-α-driven inflammation, suggesting potential slowdown of age-related capillary decline through improved endothelial stability. Human evidence remains preclinical or indirect
I have previously not known much about the endothelial glycocalyx but Ai explains that it is a gel-like extracellular matrix coating the luminal surface of blood vessel endothelial cells, composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins. endothelial glycocalyx integrity, the lining of blood vessels crucial for microcirculatory function and regulating permeability. It ameliorates lipid metabolism abnormalities, suppresses vascular inflammation, and inhibits macrophage infiltration, directly benefiting capillary health in atherosclerosis-prone models.
It regulates vascular permeability by acting as a selective barrier, preventing excessive fluid and protein leakage while allowing nutrient exchange. The glycocalyx also senses shear stress for mechanotransduction, modulates inflammation by limiting leukocyte adhesion, inhibits thrombosis, and binds signaling molecules like VEGF.
Degradation occurs in aging, diabetes, and inflammation via enzymes like heparanase, leading to endothelial dysfunction, hyperpermeability, and capillary rarefaction—key factors in vascular aging relevant to rhamnan sulfate protection.
Since I focus more and more on my microcirculation and the health of my capillaries and glycocalyx. I find Aosa seaweed, Monostroma nitidum containing rhamnan sulfate is an interesting food to explore.