Bioactive chemicals from seaweeds are used in the pharmaceutical industry to help develop new formulations for revolutionary treatments and replace synthetic components with natural ones. SPs from algae have a variety of pharmacological properties, including anticoagulant, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Anticoagulant action was observed in SPs extracted from species of the orders Bryopsidales (Chlorophyta) and Dictyotales and Fucales (Phaeophyceae) due to in vitro suppression of factors Xa and IIa facilitated by antithrombin and heparin cofactor II. That’s just a gist! There is plenty more that we want to share with you! 

Fucoidans

Fucoidans isolated from Laminaria cichorioides (Phaeophyceae) and Fucus evanescens behave like heparin in both in vitro and in vivo tests, demonstrating anticoagulant activity by speeding the synthesis of antithrombin III to limit the effect against thrombin. Fucoidans have a variety of characteristics. Pozharitskaya et al. investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and anticoagulant bioactivities of fucoidans isolated from Fucus vesiculosus. Furthermore, inhibition of both isoforms of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and 2) enzymes has been demonstrated. Fucoidans from Fucus vesiculosus are likewise implicated in fucoidan's inhibition of DPP-IV. Hence, it can be established that they play a key role in decreasing blood glucose levels.

Sargassum fulvellum (Phaeophyceae)

According to previous research, sargassum fulvellum (Phaeophyceae) contains plenty of bioactive compounds, including phlorotannin, grasshopper ketone, polysaccharides, and fucoidan. Its extracts have been researched for their various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticoagulant properties. Lumps, swelling, testicular discomfort, and urinary tract infections have all been treated from its extracts.

Red algae

Red algal agar is frequently utilized in biomedicine as a suspension component in drug solutions and medication, as well as capsules, anticoagulant agents, and laxatives. The red algae Gracilaria edulis is well-knworldwideorld for its biological and medicinal qualities. Its extract has a broad spectrum of applications, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects, making it suitable for new pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, a study investigated the in vitro hypoglycemic efficacy of Gracilaria edulis phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid extracts. The red alga's hypoglycemic potential was discovered in this investigation. Chlorophyta species have shown remarkable effectiveness against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

Ulva rigida (Chlorophyta)

It has been shown to have a hypoglycemic impact in vivo.

Macroalgae

Seaweeds' antiviral traits make them an excellent alternative for improving the health of infected persons; also, their use in pharmaceuticals will provide new and natural antiviral drugs that can replace synthetic chemicals. Antiviral activity of macroalgae has been discovered to protect against various viruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), genital warts, and hepatitis C (HCV). Even though the research above explains the potential of seaweed, new natural medications can only be developed by screening a large number of bioactive compounds, which could be possible only through research.

Conclusion

This brief highlights the importance of seaweed in pharmaceutical applications. As trendsetters have already shifted lifestyles to a more organic side, purchasing seaweed supplements isn’t likely a decision you will regret. And if you are thinking about ordering some, well, how about Herbal Vineyards? 

References

Pozharitskaya, O, Obluchinskaya, E, Shikov, A. Mechanisms of Bioactivities of Fucoidan from the Brown Seaweed Fucus vesiculosus L. of the Barents Sea. Mar Drugs. 2020 May; 18(5): 275. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281726/

Gunathilaka, T. In-Vitro Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic Activity, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Phenol-Rich Extract from the Marine Red Algae Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva. Molecules 24(20):3708. Available at: 10.3390/molecules24203708

Shi, Q, Wang, A, Lu, Z, Qin C, Hu, J, Yin, J. Overview on the antiviral activities and mechanisms of marine polysaccharides from seaweeds. Carbohydr Res. 2017 Dec 1;453-454:1-9. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29102716/

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