Chondrus crispus, also known as Carrageen Moss, is a species of red algae that grows on the rocky parts of the Atlantic Ocean coastal areas of Europe, North America and especially Ireland. A main component of this seaweed is the sulphated polysaccharide carrageenan. This accounts for up to 55% of its dry weight which forms a gel when soaked.
It has a long history of medical use for respiratory and digestive ailments, consumed as a tea. It is high in minerals, vitamins and also citrulline-arginine, which is a stable dipeptide that improves the bioavailability of arginine. This increases skin energy, encourages cell growth and metabolism and skin protection. This compound is also a source of nitrogen which is essential for protein and collagen synthesis.
Extracts of Irish Moss show anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated human THP-1 macrophages.
