May 09, 2022

Sea Mosses & their Uses in Biomedical & Cosmetics Industry

Seaweeds possess health-promoting characteristics because they contain unique bioactive substances, including phlorotannins and specific polysaccharides that are not found in terrestrial plants. Marine-derived polysaccharides such as alginate, ulvan, carrageenan, and fucoidan are commonly used in biological and biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility and availability. For example, alginate's ability to form gels has expanded its use as an extracellular matrix and delivery vehicle in tissue engineering and medication delivery. In addition, bioactive molecules found in seaweeds have properties that make them promising for biomedical applications.

Some popular biomedical applications of some sea mosses are:

Sea moss is a remedy for controlling blood pressure and obesity

Laminaria spp., a brown sea moss, is used primarily in Japanese traditional medicine to control blood pressure. In contrast, Fucus vesiculosus is used as a therapeutic remedy for obesity problems and goitre, for the treatment of aching knees and mending wounds, and as herbal teas for their laxative effects.

Anti-inflammatory activity of sea moss

Sea moss comprises potassium chloride, which helps the body reduce inflammation and infection risk because of its beneficial effect on the immune system. Undaria pinnatifida is a sea moss that has anti-inflammatory qualities and can be used to treat postpartum depression in women. This alga can also treat fevers and heal wounds as a diuretic and edema.

Sea moss diet in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases

Neuroprotective macroalgae-derived chemicals may supply some vital nutrients for preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Sea moss polysaccharide extracts have substantial neuroprotective and therapeutic properties. These polysaccharides could be the next big thing in neurodegenerative disease treatment. According to Bauer et al. recent review, fucoidan, ulvan, sea mosses, and their derivatives could be used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Sea mosses in cosmetics

The antimicrobial properties of sea moss can be employed as a preservative in cosmetic items to extend their shelf life by combating microorganisms, particularly fungi, that could damage the product. Sea moss contains sulphur, which helps to prevent the overproduction of sebum. Sea moss-based products can help restore balance to your skin while hydrating and protecting it.

Phloroeckol and phlorotannins from sea moss have been shown to have antioxidant activity, which can help to prevent skin ageing by protecting the skin from UV radiation and slowing the natural physiological ageing process.
Phaeophyceae seaweeds have been used to help minimise the appearance of "eye bags" and dark circles under the eyes. Additionally, this extract promotes collagen formation, which may aid in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

Final thoughts

The pressure of our day-to-day routines and lack of time frequently drives us to select fast food rich in saturated fats and calories, which leads to a deficiency of essential nutrients. In this case, we can say that sea moss is a wonderful choice for a healthy diet because they are high in minerals, vitamins, and fibre but low in fats, which offers us a high nutritional value. So, get your daily dosage of vitamins and minerals from this superfood available at Herbal Vineyards.

References

Myers, S. P., O’Connor, J., Fitton, J. H., Brooks, L., Rolfe, M., Connellan, P., Wohlmuth, H., Cheras, P. A., & Morris, C. (2011). A combined Phase I and II open-label study on the immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex. Biologics : Targets & Therapy, 5, 45. https://doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S12535

Pereira, L., & Valado, A. (2021). The Seaweed Diet in Prevention and Treatment of the Neurodegenerative Diseases. Marine Drugs 2021, Vol. 19, Page 128, 19(3), 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/MD19030128

Leyton, A., Pezoa-Conte, R., Barriga, A., Buschmann, A. H., Mäki-Arvela, P., Mikkola, J.-P., & Lienqueo, M. E. (2016). Identification and efficient extraction method of phlorotannins from the brown seaweed Macrocystis pyrifera using an orthogonal experimental design. ALGAL, 16, 201–208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2016.03.019