Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12(7), 4550-4573; doi:10.3390/ijms12074550
Review

Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria

Cynthia Layse F. De Almeidaemail, Heloina De S. Falcãoemail, Gedson R. De M. Limaemail, Camila De A. Montenegroemail, Narlize S. Liraemail, Petrônio F. De Athayde-Filhoemail, Luis C. Rodriguesemail, Maria de Fátima V. De Souzaemail, José M. Barbosa-Filhoemail and Leônia M. Batista* email
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, PB 58051-900, Brazil
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 16 May 2011; in revised form: 26 June 2011 / Accepted: 5 July 2011 / Published: 15 July 2011
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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Abstract: Seaweeds are an important source of bioactive metabolites for the pharmaceutical industry in drug development. Many of these compounds are used to treat diseases like cancer, acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), inflammation, pain, arthritis, as well as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This paper offers a survey of the literature for Gracilaria algae extracts with biological activity, and identifies avenues for future research. Nineteen species of this genus that were tested for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, cytotoxic, spermicidal, embriotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities are cited from the 121 references consulted.
Keywords: Gracilaria; macroalgae; seaweed; biological activity; natural product; review

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

De Almeida, C.L.F.; De S. Falcão, H.; De M. Lima, G.R.; De A. Montenegro, C.; Lira, N.S.; De Athayde-Filho, P.F.; Rodrigues, L.C.; De Souza, M.F.V.; Barbosa-Filho, J.M.; Batista, L.M. Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 4550-4573.

AMA Style

De Almeida CLF, De S. Falcão H, De M. Lima GR, De A. Montenegro C, Lira NS, De Athayde-Filho PF, Rodrigues LC, De Souza MFV, Barbosa-Filho JM, Batista LM. Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2011; 12(7):4550-4573.

Chicago/Turabian Style

De Almeida, Cynthia Layse F.; De S. Falcão, Heloina; De M. Lima, Gedson R.; De A. Montenegro, Camila; Lira, Narlize S.; De Athayde-Filho, Petrônio F.; Rodrigues, Luis C.; De Souza, Maria de Fátima V.; Barbosa-Filho, José M.; Batista, Leônia M. 2011. "Bioactivities from Marine Algae of the Genus Gracilaria." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 12, no. 7: 4550-4573.

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