Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

Chronic stress can sustain activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels, systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbance. Interest in dietary approaches to stress management has increased because functional foods may provide accessible adjuncts to conventional strategies. This review examines the potential of brown seaweed, particularly Laminaria spp., and its major bioactive constituents, including fucoidan, laminarin, phlorotannins and fucoxanthin, in relation to cortisol regulation and neuroendocrine stress pathways. The manuscript synthesises evidence on the interaction of seaweed-derived polysaccharides and polyphenols with inflammatory signalling, oxidative stress, gut microbiota modulation, hippocampal feedback and HPA-axis activity. It also considers the relevance of these mechanisms to functional food development, including extraction methods, bioavailability, sensory acceptability, formulation stability and delivery technologies. The available evidence suggests that brown-seaweed bioactives may support stress-related physiological balance through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic effects. However, direct evidence in humans remains limited, and many findings are derived from in vitro systems or animal models. Standardised extracts, validated cortisol endpoints, dose-response assessment and long-term safety evaluation are therefore required before Laminaria-based nutraceuticals or foods can be considered reliable stress-management interventions. This review highlights both the promise and the translational limitations of marine bioactives for cortisol-focused functional food applications within food and nutrition science.