Chondrus crispus Powder

Chondrus crispus Powder

1. Introduction

Chondrus crispus powder, commonly known as Irish moss or “sea moss,” is a natural, whole-plant seaweed ingredient valued for its rich mineral profile, sulfated polysaccharides (such as carrageenan), and dietary fiber. It is increasingly used in nutritional supplements, functional foods, and clean-label formulations for its antioxidant capacity, gut microbiota support, and mineral contribution, especially iodine and other trace elements.

As a dried and milled whole-plant powder, Chondrus crispus offers formulators a versatile raw material that combines nutritional value with natural thickening and gelling properties, making it suitable for both health-focused and texture-focused applications.

2. What Is Chondrus crispus Powder?

• Botanical Source

Chondrus crispus powder is obtained from the red seaweed Chondrus crispus Stackhouse, a traditional edible alga widely distributed along the cold Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It is also known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss.

• Extracted Part

Based on the COA, the Whole plant are used as the raw material.

3. Key Health Benefits & Mechanisms of Action

1) Natural Source of Iodine & Essential Minerals

Chondrus crispus is naturally rich in iodine and other minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc), making it a useful ingredient for mineral-enriched formulations when used within recommended intake levels.

Supported by research:

l A risk assessment of red seaweeds found that Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) samples contained on average 3.86 ± 1.49 mg/kg iodine (dry weight). A daily intake of 4 g dehydrated Irish moss contributed ~25.7% of the recommended daily iodine intake for children, without exceeding adult upper limits at typical consumption levels.

l A 2024 comparative study measured the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of powdered Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, and Ascophyllum nodosum, confirming that C. crispus powder provides relevant levels of minerals along with measurable antioxidant capacity.

Formulators can position Chondrus crispus powder as a natural mineral source (especially iodine) for products aiming to support normal thyroid function and micronutrient intake, while respecting regulatory intake limits.

2) Antioxidant Activity & Cellular Protection (In Vitro and Food Systems)

The phenolics, pigments, and sulfated polysaccharides in Chondrus crispus show notable antioxidant activity in vitro, helping to neutralize free radicals and slow lipid oxidation in food matrices.

Supported by research:

l A study on Chondrus crispus collected from the Red Sea reported that its extracts exhibited significant DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, along with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects against selected cell lines, highlighting its potential as an antioxidant and bioactive source.

l In a margarine model, incorporation of Chondrus crispus (alongside Lentinula edodes) improved oxidative stability, reducing lipid oxidation over storage as measured by Rancimat tests. This demonstrates practical antioxidant effects of C. crispus in fat-rich foods.

l A 2024 nutritional study using powdered C. crispus confirmed relevant in-vitro antioxidant capacity, supporting its use as a functional ingredient in antioxidant-focused products.

These findings support the use of Chondrus crispus powder in formulations where oxidative stability and antioxidant positioning are desired.

3) Gut Microbiota & Prebiotic Support (Animal Data)

The soluble fiber and sulfated polysaccharides in Chondrus crispus can act as fermentable substrates for gut microbiota, producing short-chain fatty acids and modulating microbial composition in animal models.

Supported by research:

l In a controlled rat study, a diet supplemented with cultivated Chondrus crispus significantly altered colonic microbiota composition and increased beneficial bacterial groups compared with a control diet. The supplementation also influenced immune markers and gut microbial metabolites, suggesting prebiotic-like effects.

l Reviews of the genus Chondrus note that its polysaccharides behave as soluble dietary fibers that can be fermented by gut microbes, contributing to SCFA production and potential gut barrier support.

Together, these data support the positioning of Chondrus crispus powder as a natural fiber and prebiotic-support ingredient for gut-health-oriented formulations, while recognizing that human clinical data are still limited.

4) Immunomodulatory & Host-Defense Support (Experimental Models)

Water extracts and polysaccharide-rich fractions from Chondrus crispus have demonstrated immune-modulating and host-defense–supporting effects in experimental models.

Supported by research:

l Using a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, a water extract of cultivated Chondrus crispus (CCWE) enhanced innate immune gene expression and reduced mortality from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection by ~28%, partly via kappa-carrageenan–induced activation of the pmk-1, daf-2/daf-16, and skn-1 signaling pathways.

l A 2015 review and subsequent experimental work highlight that Chondrus crispus components can modulate immune responses and exhibit antiviral and cytoprotective activities in vitro and in vivo, though clinical evidence in humans is still emerging.

These findings support describing Chondrus crispus powder as providing immune-modulating sulfated polysaccharides with documented host-defense effects in laboratory models, suitable for immune-support–themed formulations when properly framed.

5) Neuroprotective Potential (C. elegans Model)

Although more specialized, some formulators may wish to reference early-stage data suggesting neuroprotective potential.

Supported by research:

l In a C. elegans model of Parkinson’s disease, supplementation with cultivated Chondrus crispus reduced dopaminergic neuron loss and improved locomotor behavior. The authors concluded that C. crispus exerted neuroprotective effects via antioxidant and stress-response pathways in this invertebrate model.

This evidence should be treated as mechanistic, experimental support rather than as direct proof of neuroprotective effects in humans.

4. Applications of Chondrus crispus Powder

• Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Suitable for:

a) Capsules, tablets, and powder blends marketed for mineral support (especially iodine), antioxidant support, gut health, and general wellness.

b) Combination formulas with other seaweeds, fibers, or probiotics for comprehensive digestive and immune-support products.

• Functional Foods & Beverages

Ideal for:

a) Smoothie powders, ready-to-mix drinks, sea-moss beverages, nutrition bars, and fortified bakery products seeking natural minerals and fiber.

b) Formulations that require both nutritional enrichment and mild thickening or mouthfeel improvement.

• Dairy, Plant-Based & Clean-Label Texturizers

a) Chondrus crispus has a long history as a source of carrageenan, a hydrocolloid used to stabilize and gel dairy and plant-based products.

b) Whole-plant powder can contribute to viscosity, creaminess, and suspension in desserts, non-dairy milks, yogurts, and sauces, especially in “minimal processing” or “whole seaweed” concepts.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care

a) Hydrating gels, masks, and lotions leveraging the film-forming, water-binding, and soothing properties of sulfated polysaccharides.

b) Formulations that aim to provide antioxidant and mineral-enriched skin care, based on experimental evidence of anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects.

5. How to Choose a High-Quality Chondrus crispus Powder

• Raw Material & Origin

a) Prefer traceable batches of Chondrus crispus harvested from clean coastal areas with monitored heavy metal levels.

b) Confirm species identity (e.g., morphology plus TLC or DNA-based methods where available) to avoid mislabeling with other red seaweeds.

• Processing Technology

a) Low-temperature drying and fine milling (e.g., 80 mesh) help preserve heat-sensitive nutrients and maintain uniform dispersion in finished products.

b) Whole-plant processing (no solvent extraction) retains the natural matrix of minerals, fibers, and polysaccharides.

• Safety & Purity Testing

High-quality suppliers must provide:

heavy metal analysis (As, Cd, Pb, Hg)

microbial tests (TAMC, yeast/mold, pathogens)

pesticide residue limits

solvent residue compliance

aflatoxin and PAH testing

• Certifications

Products should comply with:

GMP

ISO

COA with full test results

Allergen-free, GMO-free, additive-free status

• Stability & Quality Assurance

Ensure:

proper packaging

batch traceability

validated shelf life (typically 36 months)

6. About Us — Why Choose GreenSky Biological Technology?

With 21 years of experience in natural plant extracts, Hangzhou GreenSky Biological Technology is a trusted manufacturer supplying global food, supplement, and cosmetic brands. Established in 2004, we operate two professional factories -- a fermentation plant in Hangzhou and an extraction plant in Jiangxi — supported by a 3000+ sqm production base and a 1000 sqm fully equipped R&D center.

Our Advantages:

• Professional Expertise

Over two decades of focus on botanical extracts, delivering stable and high-grade ingredients such as Milk Thistle Extract and other functional actives.

• Reliable Quality

Strict HPLC testing, GMP-grade facilities, complete traceability, and multiple international certifications including HALAL, KOSHER, SGS, ISO, ECOCERT, BRCGS, and ISO22000.

• Flexible Customization

Support for various concentrations, purities, ratios, and particle sizes, including water-soluble forms and OEM/ODM services.

• Strong Supply Capacity

Annual output of 1000+ tons, ensuring stable and continuous supply from our Jiangxi production base and Hangzhou headquarters.

• Dedicated R&D Support

A complete laboratory system for quality testing, product development, and technical support.

7. Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Chondrus crispus powder is a research-supported seaweed ingredient offering:

a) Natural iodine and mineral supply

b) Demonstrated antioxidant activity in vitro and in food systems

c) Prebiotic-like effects on gut microbiota in animal models

d) Immune-modulating and host-defense–supporting properties in experimental models

e) Versatile functionality as a clean-label thickener and texture enhancer

Whether you are formulating nutraceuticals, functional foods, or cosmetic products, high-quality Chondrus crispus powder can help you meet consumer demand for natural, science-backed ingredients.

Looking to upgrade your product line? Discover the quality of our premium Milk Thistle Extract.

Contact us now for a FREE SAMPLE and a competitive quotation. Our expert team will guide you toward the perfect ingredient solution.

References

Park S-J, Sharma A, Lee H-J. An Update on the Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Selected Species of an Underpinned Genus of Red Algae: Chondrus. Mar Drugs. 2024;22(1):47. doi:10.3390/md22010047. PMID:38248672.

Čmiková N, Kowalczewski PŁ, Kmiecik D, et al. Seaweed Nutritional Value and Bioactive Properties: Insights from Ascophyllum nodosum, Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus. Life (Basel). 2024;14(11):1522. doi:10.3390/life14111522. PMID:39598320.

Darias-Rosales J, Rubio C, Gutiérrez ÁJ, Paz S, Hardisson A. Risk assessment of iodine intake from the consumption of red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020;27(36):45737–45741. doi:10.1007/s11356-020-10478-9. PMID:32803579.

Alkhalaf MI. Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of Chondrus crispus species of red algae collected from the Red Sea along the shores of Jeddah City. J King Saud Univ Sci. 2021;33(5):101210. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101210.

Carvache Meneses HS, Mura J, Serra Bisbal JJ, Sarrion Sos I, Fagoaga Garcia C. Antioxidant effect of Chondrus crispus and Lentinula edodes on different margarines. Nereis. 2021;13:113–126. doi:10.46583/nereis_2021.13.819.

Liu J, Hafting J, Critchley AT, Banskota AH, Prithiviraj B. Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:279. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0823-z. PMID:26271359.

Liu J, Hafting J, Critchley AT, Banskota AH, Prithiviraj B. Components of the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus enhance the immune response of Caenorhabditis elegans to Pseudomonas aeruginosa through the pmk-1, daf-2/daf-16, and skn-1 pathways. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013;79(23):7343–7350. doi:10.1128/AEM.01927-13. PMID:24056462.

Liu J, Banskota AH, Critchley AT, Hafting J, Prithiviraj B. Neuroprotective Effects of the Cultivated Chondrus crispus in a C. elegans Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Mar Drugs. 2015;13(4):2250–2266. doi:10.3390/md13042250. PMID:25875108.

Collén J, Porcel B, Carré W, et al. Genome structure and metabolic features in the red seaweed Chondrus crispus shed light on evolution of the Archaeplastida. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(13):5247–5252. doi:10.1073/pnas.1221259110. PMID:23503846.

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