Seaweed Uses in Pharma Industry


Seaweeds and their extracts have been investigated as novel sources of bioactive chemicals like polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, carrageenan, and fucoidan. The secondary metabolites with their exceptional properties are widely being employed. Biological chemicals found in seaweeds are frequently used in various industrial applications. These chemicals, for example, have been investigated for the manufacture of biogas and biodiesel, which could be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. The SP ulvan derived from green seaweed has appealing physicochemical features and biological activity, which has led to its use in various novel applications.

  1.  Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta): Biogas and biodiesel have been produced using ulvan isolated from Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta). Furthermore, ulvan's optical, structural, thermal, and antioxidant qualities make it a promising new food packaging material.
  2.  Ulva fasciata (Chlorophyta): Ulvan was derived from Ulva fasciata (Chlorophyta) and used to make edible films for food applications. The films had good mechanical and physicochemical qualities suitable for food containment. The water vapor permeability of the pack decreased, allowing the food to last longer. Ulvan from Ulva fasciata also has high antioxidant activity, making it an ideal alternative for developing new, sustainable, and environmentally friendly bioplastics.
  3. Ecklonia radiate: Due to its non-toxic behavior, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, it is widely used as a stabilizer in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food sectors.
  4. Macrocystis pyrifera (Phaeophyceae): Commonly known as giant kelps, it contains phycocolloids, which are used as thickening agents in cosmetics and other industries. Macrocystis pyrifera phloroeckol and tetrameric phloroglucinol (phlorotannins) have been shown to have antioxidant activity, which may help postpone skin aging by protecting the skin from UV radiation and delaying normal biological changes.
  5. Saccharina japonica: Saccharina japonica includes vital minerals such as Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na, as well as the important macrominerals Fe, I, Mn, Zn, and Al; thus, its extracts can help in the development of new biofertilizers.
  6. Ecklonia stolonifera: Its bioactive component is phlorotannin. It has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities; hence it plays a major role in the pharmaceutical and medical industry.
  7. Chondrus pinnulatus: The potential components are λ-carrageenan and κ-carrageenan. They comparatively have a high viscosity in drinks and possess antitumoral properties. Its application is in the food-based industry (production of drinks, e.g., milk and chocolate) and pharmaceutical industry.
  8. Griffithsia sp: Griffith (Protein) shows antiviral activity against MERS-CoV-2 virus and SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein and finds suitable application in the pharmaceutical industry.
  9. Ecklonia cava: The main bioactive component is phlorotannin. It has anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties, and antihypertensive effects. Therefore, it is used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
  10. Eisenia arborea:  Its bioactive component phlorotannin possess antiallergic effects and are used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Conclusion

Using bioactive compounds from seaweeds in biotechnological and industrial applications will benefit human health by encouraging the use of natural goods rather than chemicals. So, it’s better to erase chemicals from your life and replace them with natural products. And if you are thinking about this order, then placing an order at Herbal Vineyards is way to go! 

References


Herminia Dominguez, Erwann Loret. Ulva lactuca, A Source of Troubles and Potential Riches. Marine drugs, MDPI, 2019, 17 (6), pp.357. https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02160426/document

Zia, K. et al. A review on synthesis, properties and applications of natural polymer based carrageenan blends and composites. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Volume 96, March 2017, Pages 282-301. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813016313873

 

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