Fucus

Genus: Fucus
english name: Fucus, brown alga (seaweed)
latin name: Fucus vesiculosus

Family: Fucaceae
Contenents: mucilage, algin, mannitol, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, iodine, bromine, potassium
Parts used: thallus
Properties: against the obesity and increasing the metabolic rate
Uses
internal uses: in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands (hypothyroidism) and goitre; it has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints
external uses: the plant is used in anti-cellulite creams

Fucus vesiculosus, known by the common name Bladder wrack, is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Fucus vesiculosus is a very variable alga. It can grow to 100 cm or more and is easily recognised by the small gas–filled vesicles which occur in pairs one on either side of a central midrib running along the centre of the strap-like frond. In Japan is a common food and it's used in various food products in Europe. Bladder wrack is commonly found as a component of kelp tablets or powders used as nutritional supplements.