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Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder
Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder
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Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder

  • Magnesium
  • Iodine
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Amino acids
  • Vitamins A, B9, C, D, E

Delivery time
On Demand weeks
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Product Information

Laminaria japonica powder is a nutrient-rich brown seaweed sourced from the coastal waters of East Asia, used across food, feed, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries. It is widely recognised as a valuable marine ingredient, valued especially for its high iodine content, broad mineral profile, and bioactive polysaccharides.

Typical applications: Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder

Nutritional / Functional Highlights

  • Iodine — Laminaria japonica is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, supporting thyroid function[3]
  • Cholesterol Management — There is evidence that Laminaria japonica may help lower cholesterol levels[4]
  • Heavy Metal Binding — These algae have the ability to bind large amounts of heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium
  • Immune System Support — Can contribute to the regeneration of cellular tissue, as well as enhancing the immune system
  • Blood Lipids — Positively affects blood lipids and cholesterol levels
  • Minerals — Naturally rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc
  • Vitamins — Contains vitamins A, B9, C, D, and E, as well as amino acids important for a healthy diet
  • Cosmetic Properties — Laminaria japonica extract has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties in skin care applications[6, 7, 8]
  • Antimicrobial & Antioxidant Activity — Polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-aging activities[7]
typical applications for Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder Powder

Typical applications

The brown algae Laminaria japonica, also known as Saccharina japonica, is one of the most consumed and commercially important types of kelp or seaweed. As the name suggests, this brown algae is largely eaten in East Asia, representing the main source of Kombu, the most important edible seaweed. The Japanese leaf kelp is grown selectively in Asia and today represents the species with the highest production volume in aquaculture at all.

For thousands of years, people in Japan have used an extract of this alga as a supplement to their diet, especially in areas where there is increased heavy metal contamination in the soil.

  • Food Supplements & Nutraceuticals — Can be taken as a dietary supplement in capsule or tablet form to provide iodine, minerals, and vitamins
  • Culinary Use — Used in Asian cuisine as a spice and flavour enhancer, added to soups, stews, and rice dishes
  • Animal Feed — Used as a feed additive in animal husbandry to improve the health of farm animals such as cattle and pigs
  • Cosmetic Formulations — Laminaria japonica extract is widely used in skin care products including moisturizers, anti-aging formulations, and skin protectants[6, 7, 8]
  • Heavy Metal Detoxification — Used traditionally as a dietary supplement in areas with increased heavy metal contamination, due to its ability to bind mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminium
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ALGANEX certificate system

  • ALGANEX guarantees a high quality product without impurities
  • Metals have been tested acording to regulation

Product information: Laminaria japonica (Kombu) — Brown Seaweed Powder

Technical Specifications

Colour  Brown to dark green
Odour  Characteristic algae
Appearance  Fine Powder
Loss on drying  <= 15,0 %

*All values are indicative and may vary between batches. Please request a current Certificate of Analysis for exact specifications.

 

Production / Cultivation Notes

Laminaria japonica, also known as Kombu, is native to the coastal waters of Japan, Korea, China and other regions of the Northwest Pacific. The alga usually grows on rocky substrates at depths of 2 to 10 meters and can grow up to 3 meters in length. There are also farms that specialize in growing Laminaria japonica, particularly in Japan, Korea and China. The algae are grown on ropes or grids in sea waters to enable a controlled and sustainable harvest.

 

Ordering & Contact

We supply Laminaria japonica powder in bulk for B2B buyers across the food supplement, feed, cosmetics, and nutraceutical sectors. Delivery times are available on request. Contact us to request a quote, discuss volume requirements, or obtain a product specification sheet.

 

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Laminaria japonica?

Laminaria japonica is a large, edible brown seaweed also known as kombu. It is native to the coastal waters of Japan, Korea, and China and has been used as a food and traditional medicine in these countries for centuries. It is rich in iodine and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium, and is often used in Asian cuisine to flavour soups, stews, and rice dishes.

What is Laminaria japonica powder used for?

Laminaria japonica powder is used across multiple industries: as a food supplement and nutraceutical, as a culinary ingredient in Asian cuisine, as a component of animal feed, as a cosmetic ingredient in skin care and anti-aging products, and for its potential to bind heavy metals in the body.

What nutrients does Laminaria japonica contain?

Laminaria japonica is rich in iodine, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins A, B9, C, D, and E, as well as amino acids and bioactive polysaccharides.

What is Laminaria japonica extract and what is it used for in cosmetics?

Laminaria japonica extract is derived from the seaweed and is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and skin care products.[6, 7, 8] It contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can soothe and nourish the skin, improve complexion, even skin tone, and reduce redness and irritation.[9] It is also used in anti-aging cosmetics for its tightening effect on the skin and its ability to reduce wrinkles.[8]

What are the health benefits of Laminaria japonica?

There is evidence that Laminaria japonica may help lower cholesterol[4] and improve thyroid function.[3] It can also contribute to the regeneration of cellular tissue, enhance the immune system, and positively affect blood lipids. Its ability to bind heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminium has been documented and used in traditional dietary practice.

What industries use Laminaria japonica powder?

Laminaria japonica powder is used in the food supplement, nutraceutical, culinary, animal feed, and cosmetics industries. Its iodine content, mineral profile, and bioactive polysaccharides make it a valued natural raw material across all these sectors.[6, 7, 8]

Where does Laminaria japonica grow?

Laminaria japonica is native to the coastal waters of Japan, Korea, China, and other regions of the Northwest Pacific. It grows on rocky substrates at depths of 2 to 10 meters and can reach up to 3 meters in length. It is also widely cultivated in aquaculture farms on ropes or grids in sea waters.

Is Laminaria japonica suitable for use in cosmetics?

Yes. Laminaria japonica extract has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties, and is used in skin care formulations including moisturizers, anti-aging creams, skin protectants, and products targeting redness and irritation.[6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

 

Sources: 

[1] Laminaria japonica — M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 31 March 2022. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=1316

[2] Saccharina japonica — Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharina_japonica

[3] Aoe S, Yamanaka C, Ohtoshi H, Nakamura F, Fujiwara S. Effects of Daily Kelp (Laminaria japonica) Intake on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Levels, and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Healthy Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study. Mar Drugs. 2021 Jun 22;19(7):352. doi: 10.3390/md19070352. PMID: 34206160. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34206160/

[4] Kim JY, et al. Effects of the Brown Seaweed Laminaria japonica Supplementation on Serum Concentrations of IgG, Triglycerides, and Cholesterol, and Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Rats. Front Nutr. 2018 Apr 12;5:23. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2018.00023. PMID: 29707542. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29707542/

[5] Shirosaki M, Koyama T. Laminaria japonica as a food for the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;64:199-212. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-387669-0.00015-6. PMID: 22054948. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22054948/

[6] Liu P, et al. Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic application of kelp blanching water polysaccharides. Int J Biol Macromol. 2023 Sep 1;248:125981. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125981. PMID: 37499725. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37499725/

[7] Li N, et al. Antioxidant and anti-aging activities of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide in Caenorhabditis elegans based on metabonomic analysis. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022 Nov 30;221:346-354. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.008. PMID: 36084871. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36084871/

[8] Hu L, et al. Polysaccharide Extracted from Laminaria japonica Delays Intrinsic Skin Aging in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:5137386. doi: 10.1155/2016/5137386. PMID: 27143987. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27143987/

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