Search Results (26)

The marine seaweed Undaria pinnatifida belongs to the large group of brown macroalgae (Ochrophyta) and is valued both as a nutritious food and a source of pharmaceutical compounds. It has been widely consumed in East Asia as part of the traditional diet and is generally regarded as a “healthy longevity food.” Consequently, it represents one of the most promising natural sources of biomedicinal and bioactive products. This review aims to synthesize current scientific evidence on the pharmacologically active compounds of U. pinnatifida, emphasizing their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative and chronic diseases. This narrative review is based on a comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles from scientific databases, focusing on studies addressing the pharmacological properties of U. pinnatifida and its major bioactive constituents. Recent research highlights that compounds such as fucoxanthin (a carotenoid), fucosterol (a sterol), fucoidan (a polysaccharide), alginate, and dietary fiber found in U. pinnatifida possess significant potential for developing treatments for conditions including goitre, urinary diseases, scrofula, dropsy, stomach ailments, and hemorrhoids. Moreover, these compounds exhibit remarkable pharmacological properties, including immunomodulation, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, and antibacterial activities, all with low toxicity and minimal side effects. Additionally, U. pinnatifida shows promise in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neuropsychiatric conditions like depression, supported by its antioxidant effects against oxidative stress and neuroprotective activities. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that U. pinnatifida polysaccharides (UPPs), particularly fucoidans, exhibit significant biological activities. Thus, accumulating evidence positions UPPs as promising therapeutic agents for a variety of diseases. Full article

Macroalgae, particularly red seaweeds, have attracted significant attention due to their economic and health benefits. Chondrus, a red algae genus, despite its economic importance, seems to be undervalued. Among all its species, Chondrus crispus has been meticulously documented for its biological properties, and little is known about other species. No comprehensive review of the biological properties of this genus has been acknowledged. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the available information on the chemical constituents and biological properties of a few selected species, including Chondrus crispus, Chondrus ocellatus, Mazzaella canaliculata, and Chondrus armatus. We compiled and discovered that the genus is offering most of the important health-promoting benefits evidenced from in vitro and in vivo studies focused on antimicrobial, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, anti-atopic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diabetic, cytoprotective, antioxidant, anti-coagulation, nephroprotective, anti-tumor, and anti-venom activity, which speaks about the potential of this genus. Data on clinical studies are limited. Further, around 105 chemical constituents have been reported from Chondrus spp. Given its significance, further investigation is warranted, in the form of meticulously planned cell, animal, and clinical studies that concentrate on novel health-enhancing endeavors, in order to unveil the full potential of this genus. The review also outlines challenges and future directions. Full article

Obesity is a multifactorial disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat, which in turn poses a significant risk to health. Bioactive compounds obtained from macroalgae have demonstrated their efficacy in combating obesity in various animal models. The green macroalgae Caulerpa lentillifera (CL) contains numerous active constituents. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to elucidate the beneficial anti-obesity effects of extracts derived from C. lentillifera using a Caenorhabditis elegans obesity model. The ethanol (CLET) and ethyl acetate (CLEA) extracts caused a significant decrease in fat consumption, reaching up to approximately 50–60%. Triglyceride levels in 50 mM glucose-fed worms were significantly reduced by approximately 200%. The GFP-labeled dhs-3, a marker for lipid droplets, exhibited a significant reduction in its level to approximately 30%. Furthermore, the level of intracellular ROS displayed a significant decrease of 18.26 to 23.91% in high-glucose-fed worms treated with CL extracts, while their lifespan remained unchanged. Additionally, the mRNA expression of genes associated with lipogenesis, such as sbp-1, showed a significant down-regulation following treatment with CL extracts. This finding was supported by a significant decrease (at 16.22–18.29%) in GFP-labeled sbp-1 gene expression. These results suggest that C. lentillifera extracts may facilitate a reduction in total fat accumulation induced by glucose through sbp-1 pathways. In summary, this study highlights the anti-obesity potential of compounds derived from C. lentillifera extracts in a C. elegans model of obesity, mediated by the suppression of lipogenesis pathways. Full article

The shift from the terrestrial to the marine environment to discover natural products has given rise to novel bioactive compounds, some of which have been approved for human medicine. However, the ocean, which makes up nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, contains macro- and microorganisms whose natural products are yet to be explored. Among these underexplored marine organisms are macroalgae and their symbiotic microbes, such as Bacillota, a phylum of mostly Gram-positive bacteria previously known as Firmicutes. Macroalgae-associated Bacillota often produce chemical compounds that protect them and their hosts from competitive and harmful rivals. Here, we summarised the natural products made by macroalgae-associated Bacillota and their pharmacological properties. We discovered that these Bacillota are efficient producers of novel biologically active molecules. However, only a few macroalgae had been investigated for chemical constituents of their Bacillota: nine brown, five red and one green algae. Thus, Bacillota, especially from the marine habitat, should be investigated for potential pharmaceutical leads. Moreover, additional diverse biological assays for the isolated molecules of macroalgae Bacillota should be implemented to expand their bioactivity profiles, as only antibacterial properties were tested for most compounds. Full article

In the last decades, marine macroalgae have drawn attention mainly because of their bioactive constituents. Most brown algae are distributed over coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea and Black Sea, and their composition varies with endogenous and exogenous factors. Phlorotannins, fatty acids, sterols and carbohydrates are some of the compounds responsible for biological activities related to cytotoxic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In this review we seek to highlight some of the compounds responsible for these last two biological activities, which have enormous importance for the management of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s, with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress as hallmarks. However, one of the major problems associated with treating these diseases is the highly selective blood-brain-barrier, which can be overcome with nanocarriers used as delivery systems. Weighing the risks, benefits and toxicity of the used nanoparticles is nevertheless important. We also discuss zebrafish as an upcoming adequate biological model for in vivo screening of risks and benefits of such treatment strategies. This review aims to enable researchers working in the exploitation of these macroalgae and in the use of nanocarriers to potentiate the controlled delivery of bioactive compounds. Full article

Green tides are a serious global ecological disaster; the largest occur in the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS). Early-stage green tides in the SYS are composed of four species (Ulva prolifera, Ulva flexuosa, Ulva linza, and Ulva compressa). We found that U. aragoensis is a constituent species of green tides in the SYS based on molecular data. Furthermore, this study re-evaluated the proportion of U. aragoensis in green tides and found that it was more prevalent in micro-propagules cultured from surface seawater during an early-stage green tide in 2021. The internal transcribed spacers, tufA, 18S, rbcL, large subunit, psbA, and rps2-trnL gene sequences were compared; the tufA and rbcL gene sequences were the most suitable DNA barcodes for distinguishing U. aragoensis. A haplotype analysis of the sequences of floating U. aragoensis and its micro-propagules was performed to study the correlation between green tide macroalgae and micro-propagules; close haplotype similarities occurred between them. This study further clarified the species composition of SYS green tides and provided a reference for assessing the relationship between micro-propagules and green tide macroalgae. Full article

Extracts that were obtained with solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, 80% methanol, and water) from the red macroalga Gracilaria domingensis were evaluated by reducing power with ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) and Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) assays, lipid peroxidation inhibition by β-carotene-linoleic acid assay, and metal chelating ability based on the iron-ferrozine system. The highest antioxidant capacity was reported for the hexane (Hx) extract by the FRAP, metal chelating, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. An activity-guided fractionation of the Hx extract was carried out for the identification of its active constituents. The primary components were the most active antioxidant compounds. Despite the high antioxidant activities, the Hx extract was not active in the FC assay. In this assay, the activities were found in the methanol (M) and 80% methanol (80M) extracts. The FC assay is commonly used to measure the total phenolic compounds. However, no phenolic compounds were detected by GC-MS and HPLC analyses in the M and 80M extracts. Thus, non-phenolic components influenced the FC assay. The M and 80M extracts showed high content of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). A fraction contained two MAAs (porphyra-334 and shinorine) (156 mg GAE·g⁻¹) showed a similar performance to the values that were found for well-known antioxidants (BHT = 156 mg GAE·g⁻¹ and Trolox = 166 mg GAE·g⁻¹) and 30 times higher than those of the original extracts (~5 mg GAE·g⁻¹) in the FC assay. Thus, MAAs contribute to the antioxidant activities that were observed in the FC assay within the studied samples. Together, these results advance our understanding of the antioxidant properties of algal extracts. Full article

Macroalgae are invaluable constituents of marine forest environments and important sources of material for human needs. However, they are currently at risk of severe decline due to global warming and negative anthropogenic factors. Restoration efforts focus on beds where macroalgae previously existed, as well as the creation of new marine forests. Some artificial seaweed reefs (ASRs) have succeeded but others have failed; the contributions of ASRs to marine forest formation have been not fully determined. Here, we review ASRs, the benefits of macroalgal forests, threats to macroalgae, restoration, and marine forest formation to explore the current status of ASRs. The published literature indicates that ASRs have played critical roles in marine forest formation; notably, they support the establishment of submerged aquatic vegetation beds that allow ocean macroalgal afforestation. ASRs have evolved in terms of complexity and the materials used; they can sustainably mitigate marine deforestation. However, continuous reviews of ASR performance are essential, and performance improvements are always possible. Full article

In modern times, seaweeds have become widely involved in several biotechnological applications due to the variety of their constituent bioactive compounds. The consumption of seaweeds dates to ancient times; however, only from the last few decades of research can we explain the mechanisms of action and the potential of seaweed-derived bioactive compounds, which has led to their involvement in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds are of great importance as their properties enable them to be ideal candidates for the production of sustainable “green” packaging. Diverse studies demonstrate that seaweed polysaccharides (e.g., alginates and carrageenans) not only provide health benefits, but also contribute to the production of biopolymeric film and biodegradable packaging. The dispersion of plastics and microplastics in the oceans provoke serious environmental issues that influence ecosystems and aquatic organisms. Thus, the sustainable use of seaweed-derived biopolymers is now crucial to replace plasticizers with biodegradable materials, and thus preserve the environment. The present review aims to provide an overview on the potential of seaweeds in the production of bioplastics which might be involved in food or pharmaceutical packaging. Full article

Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that has drug-like applicative advantages. Recently, macroalgae have received increased attention as natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications. Many marine algae are rich in biologically active components that have been reported to exhibit strong benefits to the skin, mainly for photoprotection, skin whitening, moisturization, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, antioxidants, and antimicrobial uses. The present review provides a detailed study of the literature on the cosmetic potentials of marine algae-derived polysaccharides, peptides and amino acids, pigments, phenolic components, and fatty acids. We provide an overview of different types of macroalgae with their biologically active constituents and potential cosmetic benefits. In addition, the bioactive molecules of cosmetic products containing marine macroalgae as well as their mechanisms of action are briefly discussed. Full article

Cosmetic industries are highly committed to finding natural sources of functional active constituents preferable to safer materials to meet consumers’ demands. Marine macroalgae have diversified bioactive constituents and possess potential benefits in beauty care products. Hence, the present study was carried out to characterize the biochemical profile of marine macroalga Chaetomorpha crassa by using different techniques for revealing its cosmetic potentials. In results, the FTIR study characterized the presence of different bioactive functional groups that are responsible for many skin-beneficial compounds whereas six and fifteen different important phycocompounds were found in GCMS analysis of ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively. In the saccharide profile of C. crassa, a total of eight different carbohydrate derivatives were determined by the HRLCMS Q-TOF technique, which showed wide varieties of cosmetic interest. In ICP AES analysis, Si was found to be highest whereas Cu was found to be lowest among other elements. A total of twenty-one amino acids were measured by the HRLCMS-QTOF technique, which revealed the highest amount of the amino acid, Aspartic acid (1207.45 nmol/mL) and tyrosine (106.77 nmol/mL) was found to be the lowest in amount among other amino acids. Their cosmetic potentials have been studied based on previous research studies. The incorporation of seaweed-based bioactive components in cosmetics has been extensively growing due to its skin health-promoting effects. Full article

Amongst the countless marine organisms, seaweeds are considered as one of the richest sources of biologically active ingredients having powerful biological activities. Seaweeds or marine macroalgae are macroscopic multicellular eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms and have the potential to produce a large number of valuable compounds, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids, phenolic compounds, pigments, etc. Since it is a prominent source of bioactive constituents, it finds diversified industrial applications viz food and dairy, pharmaceuticals, medicinal, cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, etc. Moreover, seaweed-based cosmetic products are risen up in their demands by the consumers, as they see them as a promising alternative to synthetic cosmetics. Normally it contains purified biologically active compounds or extracts with several compounds. Several seaweed ingredients that are useful in cosmeceuticals are known to be effective alternatives with significant benefits. Many seaweeds’ species demonstrated skin beneficial activities, such as antioxidant, anti-melanogenesis, antiaging, photoprotection, anti-wrinkle, moisturizer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties, as well as certain antimicrobial activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. This review presents applications of bioactive molecules derived from marine algae as a potential substitute for its current applications in the cosmetic industry. The biological activities of carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds and pigments are discussed as safe sources of ingredients for the consumer and cosmetic industry. Full article

The endemic brown macroalga Fucus virsoides J. Agardh from the Adriatic Sea was in the focus of the present research. The volatiles of fresh (FrFv) and air-dried (DrFv) samples of F. virsoides obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and hydrodistillation (HD) were analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS). The major HS-FrFv compound was pentadecane (61.90–71.55%) followed by pentadec-1-ene (11.00–7.98%). In HS-DrFv, pentadec-1-ene was not present, and few lower aliphatic compounds appeared, as well as benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol. In HD-FrFv, particularly abundant were alkenes (such as pentadec-1-ene (19.32%), or (E)-pentadec-7-ene (8.35%)). In HD-DrFv, more oxidation products were present (e.g., carbonyl compounds such as tridecanal (18.51%)). The fatty acids profile of freeze-dried sample (FdFv) after conversion to methyl esters was determined by GC-FID, and oleic acid was dominant (42.28%), followed by arachidonic acid (15.00%). High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (HPLC-ESI-HRMS) was used for the screening of less polar fractions (F3 and F4) of F. virsoides. Mono- and diglycerides of stearic, palmitic, oleic, and arachidonic acids were found. Terpenoids and steroids comprised the compounds C₂₀H₃₀₍₃₂₎O₂ and C₂₉H₄₈O₍₂₎. Among carotenoids, fucoxanthin was identified. Chlorophyll derivatives were also found (C₅₅H₇₄₍₇₂₎N₄O_(5-7)), dominated by pheophytin a. The antioxidant activity of the fractions was investigated by in vitro assays (oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), reduction of radical cation (ABTS•⁺), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and by in vivo zebrafish model (along with fish embryotoxicity). In vitro experiments proved good radical scavenging abilities of F3 and F4 fractions, which were additionally supported by the protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in zebrafish embryos. Full article

The main objective was to determine the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and mineral profiles of three commercially relevant brown macroalgae (Laminaria digitata, Laminaria hyperborea and Ascophyllum nodosum) collected each season for two years off the west coast of Ireland. All the chemical, phytochemical, fatty acid and minerals analysed varied significantly depending on the macroalgal species, season and year of collection. Overall, the protein contents of macroalgae were negatively correlated with carbohydrate content. Protein (2–11%) was at its highest during winter and/or spring, decreasing to a minimum during summer and/or autumn. The three macroalgal species analysed in this study had clearly differentiated fatty acid profiles. The concentration of fatty acids was higher in A. nodosum compared with both Laminaria species. The mineral profile of the three macroalgal species was rich in essential metals, particularly Ca, Mg and P, while the levels of I were approximately 9- to 10-fold higher in both Laminaria spp. compared with A. nodosum. The levels of toxic metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) in all the macroalgal species studied were low in the current study; while the levels of total As were high (49–64 mg/kg DW macroalgae) compared with previous reports. Full article

Extracellular ATP mediates proinflammatory and antiproliferative effects via activation of P2 nucleotide receptors. In contrast, its metabolite, the nucleoside adenosine, is strongly immunosuppressive and enhances tumor proliferation and metastasis. The conversion of ATP to adenosine is catalyzed by ectonucleotidases, which are expressed on immune cells and typically upregulated on tumor cells. In the present study, we identified sulfopolysaccharides from brown and red sea algae to act as potent dual inhibitors of the main ATP-hydrolyzing ectoenzymes, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (NPP1) and ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1, CD39), showing nano- to picomolar potency and displaying a non-competitive mechanism of inhibition. We showed that one of the sulfopolysaccharides tested as a representative example reduced adenosine formation at the surface of the human glioblastoma cell line U87 in a concentration-dependent manner. These natural products represent the most potent inhibitors of extracellular ATP hydrolysis known to date and have potential as novel therapeutics for the immunotherapy of cancer. Full article